C
Idioms beginning with "C"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
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Contents of C:
[chew the scenery] {v. phr.}, {slang}
To act overemotionally in a situation where it is inappropriate; to engage in histrionics.
I don't know if Joe was sincere about our house, but he sure chewed up the scenery!
[chicken]
See:
[COUNT ONE'S CHICKENS BEFORE THEY ARE HATCHED],
[GO TO BED WITH THE CHICKENS],
[SPRING CHICKEN].
[chicken feed] {n.}, {slang}
A very small sum of money.
John and Bill worked very hard, but they were only paid chicken feed.
Mr. Jones is so rich, he thinks a thousand dollars is chicken feed.
[chicken out] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To stop doing something because of fear; to decide not to do something after all even though previously having decided to try it.
I used to ride a motorcycle on the highway, but I've chickened out.
* /I decided […]
[chicken switch] {n.}, {slang}, {Space English}
1. The emergency eject button used by test pilots in fast and high flying aircraft by means of which they can parachute to safety if the engine fails; later adopted by astronauts in space capsules.
* […]
[chicken-brained] {adj.}
Stupid; narrow-minded; unimaginative.
I can't understand how a bright woman like Helen can date such a chicken-brained guy as Oliver.
[chicken-hearted] {adj.}
Cowardly; excessively timid.
"Come on, let's get on that roller coaster," she cried. "Don't be so chicken-hearted."
See: [CHICKEN-LIVERED].
[chicken-livered] {adj.}, {slang}, {colloquial}
Easily scared; cowardly.
Joe sure is a chicken-livered guy.
See: [CHICKEN-HEARTED].
[chickens come home to roost] {informal}
Words or acts come back to cause trouble for a person; something bad you said or did receives punishment; you get the punishment that you deserve.
* /Fred's chickens finally came home to roost today. He was late […]