Meaning
A feeling of nervousness or fear before doing something.
Cultural Background
Highly associated with wedding culture and the fear of commitment. Used in both social and professional contexts, often with a slightly humorous tone. The idiom is identical to English, showing a shared cultural history of the metaphor.
Use with 'get'
Most people say 'I got cold feet' rather than 'I have cold feet' when describing the moment it happened.
Wedding context
If you hear this in a movie, it is almost always about a wedding.
Meaning
A feeling of nervousness or fear before doing something.
Use with 'get'
Most people say 'I got cold feet' rather than 'I have cold feet' when describing the moment it happened.
Wedding context
If you hear this in a movie, it is almost always about a wedding.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
He was going to propose, but he ____ at the last minute.
The idiom for getting nervous is 'got cold feet'.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the correct usage.
The idiom requires the verb 'get' or 'have'.
Match the idiom to its meaning.
Match 'cold feet' to the correct definition.
Cold feet means nervousness.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Are you still going to the interview? B: I'm not sure, I'm ____.
The context implies nervousness about an interview.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesHe was going to propose, but he ____ at the last minute.
The idiom for getting nervous is 'got cold feet'.
Choose the correct usage.
The idiom requires the verb 'get' or 'have'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Cold feet means nervousness.
A: Are you still going to the interview? B: I'm not sure, I'm ____.
The context implies nervousness about an interview.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNo, it is too informal. Use 'hesitant' instead.
No, that would mean you are nervous about the weather, which makes no sense.
No, it applies to anyone regardless of gender.
Being 'bold' or 'confident'.
It is usually reserved for big, life-changing decisions.
No, it is usually a temporary feeling before an action.
It relates to the idea of being unable to move forward.
No, it is for human emotions.
Related Phrases
Get the jitters
synonymTo feel nervous
Back out
similarTo withdraw
Lose one's nerve
synonymTo become scared
