get cold feet
Meaning
To suddenly feel nervous or lose courage, especially right before doing something important, and hesitate or back out.
Origin
Recorded from the late 1800s. The metaphor links fear with coldness and the physical sensation of cold feet when anxious; it became common for last-minute backing out, especially before weddings or risky plans.
Notes
Means last-minute nerves leading to hesitation or backing out. Often mildly critical or teasing. Common in everyday talk and also in business contexts; use tactfully when referring to someone’s decision.
Examples
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I was about to sign the lease, but I got cold feet and decided to wait a few more days.
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She didn’t join the bungee jump at the last minute because she got cold feet.
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They were engaged for a year, but he got cold feet two weeks before the wedding.
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If you’re getting cold feet about switching jobs, talk it through with someone you trust.
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We had tickets for the trip, yet I got cold feet and cancelled the night before we flew out.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as “get/got/getting cold feet.” Subject is the person losing nerve. Often with “about” + noun/gerund (“got cold feet about moving”). Rarely used in passive.
Synonyms
- lose one's nerve
- chicken out
- have second thoughts
- get jitters
- back out
Antonyms
- go through with it
- follow through
- stand firm
- take the plunge