Crossword Genius

Turned chicken when the king is under threat (2,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

in check

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'the king is under threat' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'turned chicken' is the wordplay.
'turned' indicates anagramming the letters.
'chicken' with letters rearranged gives 'IN CHECK'.

'when' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for in check that I've seen before include "Under control" , "Attacked" , "Restrained" , "State of chess king under direct attack" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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