English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Chicken hearted
Meaning
The idiom "chicken hearted" refers to someone who is cowardly or lacks courage in doing something. This person may be hesitant to take risks, avoid confrontation or back down from a challenge even when it's necessary.
Usage
- The new employee was chicken hearted and didn't speak up during the meeting even though he had great ideas.
- The protester was chicken hearted and couldn't stay at the rally for more than an hour.
- The athlete was chicken hearted and never took the risk to try a new sport that he knew he could excel in.
- The politician was chicken hearted and refused to take a stance on the controversial issue.
- The salesperson was chicken hearted and couldn't close a deal even though she had been trained for months.
Roots and History
The idiom "chicken hearted" has its roots in medieval times when chickens were considered symbols of cowardice and fear. People who were afraid to do something would be called "chicken-hearted." Over time, the idiom has evolved to refer to anyone who lacks courage or bravery in a situation. It is commonly used in contemporary language to describe someone who is hesitant or unwilling to take risks.
Synonyms in English
- Cowardly
- Timid
- Fearful
- Hesitant
- Backing down from a challenge
Synonyms in other languages
- Spanish: "Tontoso" - This idiom translates to "stupid" and is used to describe someone who lacks courage or bravery.
- French: "Cowardin" - This idiom is similar in meaning to "chicken-hearted" and is used to describe someone who is hesitant or unwilling to take risks.
- German: "Faulenfresser" - This idiom translates to "slacker" and is used to describe someone who lacks motivation or courage to accomplish something.
- Italian: "Natante a rana" - This idiom means "swimming like a frog" and is used to describe someone who is hesitant or unwilling to take risks.
- Japanese: "スカラン" - This idiom translates to "scaredy-cat" and is used to describe someone who lacks courage or bravery in a situation.