PhrasesHub

Get cold feet

    Definitions

      • feel nervous or anxious
        To feel apprehensive or hesitant about something, often resulting in second thoughts or a change in plans. Typically used in the context of a decision or commitment.

      • back out or withdraw from a commitment
        To suddenly decide against following through with something, often due to fear or uncertainty. Can refer to anything from a social event to a business deal.

      • lose interest or enthusiasm
        To become disinterested or unenthusiastic about something that once seemed exciting or appealing. Often used to describe a change of heart or a lack of motivation.

    Examples of Get cold feet

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

      This idiom means that John became suddenly nervous and uncertain about proposing, just as someone might feel chilly and decide to put on a pair of socks. The phrase "get cold feet" is often used to describe someone who changes their mind at the last minute about doing something, especially something important or nerve-wracking.

    • The singer was about to go on stage, but she got cold feet and decided to cancel the concert.

      In this example, the singer's nerves got the best of her, causing her to lose confidence and back out of the performance. The phrase "get cold feet" is a colorful way to describe this kind of sudden loss of courage or confidence.

    • The athlete had trained for months for the big race, but at the starting line, he got cold feet and couldn't bring himself to compete.

      This idiom can also be used to describe someone who becomes hesitant or fearful in the face of a challenge or opportunity. In this example, the athlete's nerves got the best of him, causing him to lose his confidence and decide not to compete.

    • The politician was about to make a bold statement, but at the last minute, he got cold feet and decided to stay quiet.

      This idiom can also be used to describe someone who becomes hesitant or fearful in the face of a public speaking opportunity or other high-pressure situation. In this example, the politician's nerves got the best of him, causing him to lose his confidence and decide not to speak out.

    • The actor was about to go on stage for his big debut, but at the last minute, he got cold feet and decided to stay in his dressing room.

      This idiom can also be used to describe someone who becomes hesitant or fearful in the face of a new or challenging experience. In this example, the actor's nerves got the best of him, causing him to lose his confidence and decide not to perform.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "get cold feet" is commonly used to describe feelings of nervousness, hesitation, or second thoughts about a decision or commitment. It can also refer to backing out or withdrawing from a previously agreed upon plan or losing interest and enthusiasm for something.

    In more specific contexts, "get cold feet" may be used to describe feelings of anxiety or apprehension before a big event or important moment, such as getting married or giving a speech. It can also be used to describe a sudden change of heart or loss of motivation, often leading to a change in plans or backing out of a commitment.

    Overall, the idiom "get cold feet" is often used to convey a sense of hesitation or reluctance towards something, whether it be a decision, commitment, or event.

    Origin of "Get cold feet"

    The origin of this idiom is uncertain, but there are a few theories as to how it came about. One theory suggests that it may have originated from the physical reaction of cold feet, where the body's fight or flight response causes a decrease in blood flow to the feet, resulting in a feeling of coldness and numbness. This physical sensation may have been associated with feelings of fear or hesitation, leading to the use of the phrase "cold feet" to describe those emotions.

    Another theory suggests that the idiom may have originated from the phrase "to have cold feet" used in the context of hunting. In this sense, it referred to the reluctance of a hunting dog to pursue its prey due to fear or apprehension. This phrase may have later evolved to include human emotions and used to describe a similar feeling of hesitation or reluctance.

    Regardless of its origin, the idiom "get cold feet" has become a commonly used phrase in the English language to describe feelings of nervousness, hesitation, or reluctance towards a decision, commitment, or event.