Idiom
no spring chicken
Meanings
Not young; past early youth, often said humorously.
Definition
“No spring chicken” means someone is no longer young, often said in a humorous way.
If someone is “no spring chicken,” they are not young anymore. It is usually used jokingly or lightly, not as a harsh insult. People often say it about themselves or someone whose age is noticeable but not necessarily old.
Examples
- I’m no spring chicken, so I need a day to recover after that hike.
- He’s no spring chicken, but he still plays five-a-side every week.
- She joked that she’s no spring chicken, yet she’s learning to skateboard.
- We’re no spring chicken, so let’s book a hotel instead of camping.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes use it to mean “physically weak,” but it mainly refers to age (not being young).
More at B2 level
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
More idioms
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- close but no cigar Used to say someone almost succeeded but did not quite achieve the goal.
- down to the wire Used to say something is decided or finished only at the last possible moment.
- lost the plot To become confused or behave in a way that no longer makes sense.
- ducks in a row To have everything organized and ready for action.