chill out

relax and stop feeling worried or angry

B2

What does "chill out" mean?

To chill out means to relax and let go of stress, worry, or anger. It captures the idea of mentally unwinding — letting tension leave your body and mind rather than staying wound up. You might use it to describe your own behaviour ('I just need to chill out this evening') or to advise someone else who is clearly overthinking or getting worked up about something. Unlike some more neutral alternatives, chill out has a distinctly casual, laid-back feel, which is part of what makes it so common in everyday conversation. Bear in mind that the tone you use really matters: saying it as a direct command can come across as dismissive, as if you're not taking the other person's concerns seriously.

Examples

How to use it

subject + chill out

The most common pattern — used intransitively to describe someone relaxing or calming down, with no object needed.

After the meeting ran over by an hour, she just wanted to go home and chill out.

chill out + about + situation

Use 'about' to specify what someone needs to stop worrying or stressing over.

You really need to chill out about the presentation — you've prepared more than enough.

chill out + at/by/with + place or person

Use a location or companion phrase to describe where or with whom someone is relaxing.

We spent the afternoon chilling out by the river and listening to music.

just + chill out

Adding 'just' is extremely common and gives the phrase a softer, more casual emphasis — often used in commands or suggestions.

It's only a minor delay — just chill out and we'll figure it out.

need to + chill out

A very natural construction for advice or self-reflection, suggesting that someone's current stress level is higher than it needs to be.

He's been so tense all week — he seriously needs to chill out this weekend.

Common Collocations

just chill outneed to chill outchill out at homechill out with friendschill out for a bitchill out about something

Common Mistakes

Using it with an object

Chill out is intransitive, meaning it never takes a direct object. You cannot use it to describe relaxing someone else the way you might with 'calm down'.

✗ She chilled out her nervous colleague before the interview.
✓ Her nervous colleague managed to chill out before the interview.
Using it in formal or professional contexts

Chill out is strongly informal and can sound out of place — or even rude — in professional settings. In those situations, 'relax' or 'calm down' are much safer choices.

✗ I would advise all team members to chill out about the upcoming deadline.
✓ I would advise all team members to stay calm about the upcoming deadline.
Confusing it with 'calm down'

'Calm down' is more neutral and works in both formal and informal situations, while 'chill out' is strictly casual and can sound dismissive. If someone is genuinely upset, telling them to 'chill out' might seem like you're not taking them seriously.

✗ The manager told the upset client to just chill out.
✓ The manager told the upset client to calm down and explained the situation.

Usage

This phrasal verb is informal and most common in spoken English or casual writing; avoid it in formal or professional situations. Using it as an imperative ('chill out!') can sound rude or dismissive, so be careful about tone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can 'chill out' sound rude?

Yes, it can — especially when used as a direct command. Telling someone to 'chill out' implies they are overreacting, which can feel dismissive if they have a genuine concern. The tone of voice and context make a big difference, and using a softer phrase like 'try to relax' is often safer when someone is truly upset.

What's the difference between 'chill out' and 'chill'?

In modern informal English, 'chill' on its own has the same meaning as 'chill out' — both describe relaxing or calming down. 'Chill out' tends to feel slightly more emphatic, especially when directed at someone who is noticeably stressed or anxious, while 'chill' can feel even more low-key and casual.

Is 'chill out' more American or British English?

It originated in American English and is slightly more common there, but it is widely understood and used across all major English-speaking countries. British, Australian, and other English speakers use it regularly in casual conversation and informal writing.

Can I use 'chill out' to describe relaxing in general, or only when someone is angry?

You can use it in both situations. It works when someone is angry or anxious and needs to calm down, but it also describes a more general state of unwinding — for example, after a long week at work. The key idea is emotional or mental relaxation, not just spending free time.

Does 'chill out' have any other meanings I should know about?

The sense covered here — relaxing and letting go of stress or anxiety — is by far the most common meaning. The same word 'chill' can appear in other contexts (for example, referring to cold temperatures), but the phrasal verb 'chill out' is consistently used for this relaxation sense in everyday speech.

Ready to practise?

Practise 1,000+ English phrasal verbs with interactive gap-fill exercises.

Start Practising →