Chicken-like

Characterized by behaviors or physical traits reminiscent of chickens. This includes actions such as pecking, scratching, or exhibiting a timid, easily frightened disposition. It can also refer to the physical resemblance, such as a hunched posture, or a relatively simple, less sophisticated manner of thought or approach. The term often implies a lack of courage or a tendency to retreat from confrontation, much like a chicken avoiding danger.

Chicken-like meaning with examples

• The nervous recruit had a chicken-like hesitation when ordered to fire his weapon, displaying a timidity that worried his commanding officer. He was constantly looking around, nervous and unsure.
• She found the political debate tedious; the participants engaged in chicken-like pecking at each other, without addressing the core issues. It felt more like a school yard scrap.
• The outdated farm tool, with its rusty blades, had a chicken-like design; resembling a chicken’s foot. It scratched the ground inefficiently, and was clearly a bit of a mess.
• After the sudden financial downturn, the company's investment strategy became chicken-like, cautiously avoiding any risks, resulting in stagnation rather than growth. Everything slowed down.