Get/have cold feet

usgb
verb

To suddenly become too afraid to do something you had planned to do, especially something important such as getting married.

He was all set to go bungee jumping, but he got cold feet at the last minute.
Visual representation of "get/have cold feet" - To suddenly become too afraid to do something you had planned to do, especially something important such as getting married

Often appears as...

  • get cold feet about something
  • have cold feet about something

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "get/have cold feet"
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Expression of Fear

Used when someone is afraid to follow through with a decision or action.

Illustration for Expression of Fear
I wanted to try skydiving, but I got cold feet thinking about jumping out of a plane.
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Informal Usage

Common in casual conversation, but less suitable for formal writing or speech.

Illustration for Informal Usage
She was going to move to New York, but she got cold feet and stayed.
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Major Decisions

Often associated with significant life changes or commitments.

Illustration for Major Decisions
Tom had cold feet about buying the house, even after signing the contract.
Visual representation of the word "Get/have cold feet"

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