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# no spring chicken

idiom (noun phrase used after «be»: is no spring chicken, I'm no spring chicken)

«no spring chicken» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

(euphemism, humorous) not young any more; getting old.

### In the lessons

People say it jokingly about themselves or others to mention age without saying «old», often to excuse being tired or slow. Humorous and informal register, all English-speaking countries.

### Examples

- I'm no spring chicken — these stairs are hard work.
- Grandad's no spring chicken, but he still runs every morning.
- Let's be honest, the car's no spring chicken either.
- She's no spring chicken, so she took the lift.
- The coach is no spring chicken, but he can still kick a ball.
- Our cat is no spring chicken any more; she sleeps all day.

### Note

It is not about chickens; a spring chicken is a young chicken, so «no spring chicken» = not young. Said about someone else it can be a little rude; said about yourself it is friendly. Plain words: old, older, not young.