What does "play chicken" mean? This an expression I heard when a man(M) and woman(W) are flirting in a CBS show. I'll also provide the context. W: You're so funny. You are so spontaneous. M: Like a y

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What does "play chicken" mean? This an expression I heard when a man(M) and woman(W) are flirting in a CBS show. I'll also provide the context. W: You're so funny. You are so spontaneous. M: Like a youth in May. W: So what's the surprise? You called saying you had surprise? M: The surprise is I desire you too. W: Oh, now you're just trying to throw me off my game. M: I am but I still desire you. W: Really? Then let's go do something about it. M: My apartment is about 15 minutes away. W: Mine's ten. You are playing chicken. M: I am and I'm good at it. W: Mm...You don't see me swerving off the road. M: Then don't. W: We are gonna crash. M: unless you swerve off. I'm wondering what does the woman mean when she said "You are playing chicken"? How to use this phrase? Thank you!

Jul 22, 2012 2:06 AM

Answers · 6

She is alluding to a game where two cars drive toward each other on a collision course. The one who swerves first is "chicken", or cowardly. If no one swerves, they crash.

July 22, 2012

A related phrase: "chicken out" Synonyms: back down, back out, cop out, cop out, funk out, get cold feet, get cold feet, give up, give way, go back on, have no stomach for, make concessions, pull out, recant, renege, resign, scratch, shy from, surrender, throw in the towel, turn yellow, weasel out, wiggle out, wimp out.

July 22, 2012

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