5 American Slang Phrases To Show That Someone Lost Their Courage

Welcome to NJCLT's free English lesson where we will explore five common American slang phrases that are used to describe someone losing their courage or confidence. Understanding and utilizing these phrases will not only enhance your English language skills but also allow you to communicate more effectively with native English speakers in various situations. So, let's dive right in and explore these valuable expressions!

#1: Backing Down Like a Chicken

When someone loses their courage or refuses to confront a difficult situation, they can be described as "backing down like a chicken". This phrase derives from the characteristic behavior of a chicken that tends to retreat or run away when faced with danger. So, if you want to convey the idea that someone lacks bravery or is avoiding confrontation, this slang phrase is perfect.

#2: Turning Tail and Running

A similar slang phrase to express someone losing their courage is "turning tail and running". The expression originates from the movement of certain animals, like a frightened dog or a cornered prey, who instinctively turn their tail and flee when feeling threatened. This phrase is often used to describe situations where someone gives up easily or avoids challenges.

#3: Losing One's Nerve

When someone loses their courage in a critical moment or becomes too afraid to proceed, we typically use the term "losing one's nerve". This phrase effectively portrays the idea that fear or anxiety has overwhelmed an individual, causing them to hesitate or abandon their original plan due to a lack of confidence. Understanding this phrase will allow you to effectively describe situations where someone succumbs to their fears.

#4: Chickening Out

If you want to indicate that someone has lost their courage at the last minute or abandoned a plan due to fear, "chickening out" is the ideal slang phrase. The term "chickening out" draws an analogy between the action of a chicken refusing to face a challenge and someone's decision to back away from a situation they initially agreed to confront. This phrase is commonly used in casual conversations to describe situations when someone fails to follow through on their commitments.

#5: Having Cold Feet

When someone becomes exceptionally nervous or anxious and loses their courage, it can be said that they have "cold feet". This phrase is deeply rooted in the physiological effect fear has on a person, often causing a drop in body temperature. By using this slang expression, you can concisely convey the idea that someone is hesitating or reluctant to proceed due to apprehension or anxiety.

Now that you have familiarized yourself with these five American slang phrases, you can confidently incorporate them into your English vocabulary to describe situations where someone loses their courage or confidence. Practicing these phrases will undoubtedly improve your language skills and enable you to communicate more effectively in your daily interactions.

Remember, expanding your knowledge of slang expressions not only enriches your language proficiency but also enhances your cultural understanding. So, embrace these phrases and continue your journey towards becoming a fluent English speaker!