play chicken
As a risky test of courage, to drive two vehicles directly toward one another in order to see which driver will swerve away first.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“They are playing chicken with their cars on the empty road.”
“The two drivers refused to slow down at the intersection, effectively playing chicken to see who would yield first.”
“By refusing to compromise on the budget, the two political parties were playing chicken with the stability of the entire national economy.”
- 01
chicken feed
A very small or insignificant quantity, especially of money.
- 02
chicken out
To shy away from a daring task; to decline, refuse, or avoid something due to fear or uncertainty.
- 03
chicken scratch
Cramped or illegible handwriting.
- 04
child's play
Something particularly easy or simple.
- 05
choke the chicken
To masturbate by stimulating one's penis.
- 06
get up with the chickens
to wake up early
- 07
go play in the traffic
To go elsewhere and feel free to engage in risky behavior; to get lost.
- 08
grandstand play
A successful play or other manoeuvre during a sporting competition in which one or more players shows off unnecessarily in order to entertain or impress the spectators.
Last updated August 10, 2026