PhrasesHub

Cold feet

    Definitions

      • feeling hesitant or anxious about a decision or course of action
        To express someone's reluctance or apprehension about moving forward with a plan or decision, often citing fear or uncertainty as the reason.

      • to abandon or back out of a commitment or promise
        To describe someone's sudden change of heart or decision to not follow through with something they had previously agreed to or committed to.

    Examples of Cold feet

    • John was all set to propose to his girlfriend, but at the last minute, he developed cold feet.

      This idiom is used to describe a sudden feeling of nervousness or uncertainty, typically before doing something important or significant. In this example, John had been planning to propose to his girlfriend, but at the last minute, he became nervous and uncertain, which is symbolized by the phrase "cold feet."

    • Sarah had been offered a dream job, but she hesitated and eventually turned it down because she had cold feet.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used to describe a decision-making process. Sarah had been presented with an excellent opportunity, but she became uncertain and hesitant, which is symbolized by the phrase "cold feet."

    • The singer had a huge audience waiting for her, but as she stepped onto the stage, she froze and her legs turned to jelly. She had cold feet.

      This example demonstrates how the idiom can be used to describe a physical reaction to nervousness or uncertainty. In this case, the singer became so nervous that her legs became weak and unsteady, which is symbolized by the phrase "cold feet."

    • The bride's father had a sudden attack of cold feet and refused to give her away at the wedding.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used to describe a change in behavior or attitude. In this case, the bride's father became nervous and uncertain, which is symbolized by the phrase "cold feet," and as a result, he refused to carry out his traditional role at the wedding.

    • The athlete had trained for months for the big race, but as the starting gun went off, he froze and his legs turned to jelly. He had cold feet.

      This example demonstrates how the idiom can be used to describe a physical reaction to nervousness or uncertainty in a specific context. In this case, the athlete became so nervous that his legs became weak and unsteady, which is symbolized by the phrase "cold feet," and as a result, he was unable to perform at his best.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "cold feet" is often used to express hesitation or reluctance towards a decision or commitment. It can also convey the idea of backing out or abandoning a previously agreed upon plan. In both cases, the underlying emotion is fear or uncertainty.

    Origin of "Cold feet"

    The origin of this idiom is uncertain, but there are a few theories. One theory suggests that it comes from the physical sensation of having cold feet due to anxiety or fear, which can cause the feet to feel cold and clammy. Another theory links it to the British expression "to get cold feet," which was used in the 1800s to describe someone losing their nerve or courage.

    The idiom gained popularity in the 20th century, particularly during World War I, when soldiers would use it to describe their fear and hesitation before going into battle. It has since become a commonly used phrase in everyday language to describe any situation where someone is feeling anxious or hesitant.

    Overall, the idiom "cold feet" uses a physical sensation to convey a deeper emotion, making it a powerful and relatable phrase to express feelings of hesitation or uncertainty.