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cheese out

C1 slang inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To suddenly decide not to do something because you are scared or don't want to look bad, or to do something in a weak, unimpressive way.

Meanings

1 C1 idiomatic slang

To withdraw from a dare or commitment out of cowardice or a desire to avoid embarrassment.

"He was going to ask her to dance, but at the last second he cheesed out and went back to his seat."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Uncommon and regional slang. May overlap with 'cheese' as slang for something considered overly sentimental or low-quality. Not widely attested in formal dictionaries. Usage is inconsistent across regions.

Commonly used with

dare challenge moment confrontation opportunity

Forms

Base
cheese out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
cheeses out
he/she/it
Past simple
cheesed out
yesterday
Past participle
cheesed out
have + pp
-ing form
cheesing out
continuous

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