punks out
Loses their nerve
Punks out means to back down from a challenge or confrontation out of fear, losing nerve at a crucial moment.
Someone who punks out fails to follow through when courage is required, whether in a physical altercation, a risky decision, or simply speaking up.
He was going to ask her out but punked out at the last second.
The phrase carries a strong connotation of cowardice or weakness, implying the person lacks backbone.
- quittingCeasing an activity
- renegingFailing to keep commitments
- cowardiceAbsence of bravery
- backing offCeasing to pursue
- getting cold feetLosing nerve before commitment
losing nerve · abandoning · capitulation · flaking · no show · retreating · turning tail · running scared · giving up · losing heart · shirking · choking · folding · hesitation · surrender · withdrawing · failure · evading
punks outsteps up
Increases or takes responsibility
mans up · faces the music · bites the bullet · takes the plunge · hangs tough
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