I am no chicken.

[yeungyl]

I really want to ask if anybody knows the meaning of the phrase "I am no chicken". I found this when I was reading the series of Sherlock Holmes. If anbody knows, please tell.

[sunsingh]

I think this relates to chicken heart which means that I am not a coward person.

[Anglika]

I am no chicken = I am not very young

I am not chicken = I am not afraid.

[yeungyl]

Okay, thanks a lot guy:)

[benmoore]

I thought the phrase "I am no spring chicken" was equal to "I am not young".

I agree that describing a person as a chicken means they are afraid.

[Anglika]

[QUOTE=benmoore;526628]I thought the phrase "I am no spring chicken" was equal to "I am not young".

/QUOTE]

I believe that is what I said

[Billy321]

I believe that is what I said

You missed out the 'spring' bit! 'Spring' as in newborn..

[konungursvia]

Yes, it does not carry the Hong Kong meaning of prostitute.

[Anglika]

You missed out the 'spring' bit! 'Spring' as in newborn..

It is not set in concrete. The idiom can be with or without Spring.

[Mehrgan]

It is not set in concrete. The idiom can be with or without Spring.

Thanks.....and can it be used against the idea of "chicken out"? I mean, is it used at such occasions where you want to show you haven't backed out?