Get cold feet.
Become nervous about something.
Literally: {"get":"receive","cold":"chilly","feet":"pedes"}
In 15 Seconds
- Sudden fear before a big event.
- Means losing your nerve.
- Common before weddings or jobs.
- It's about psychological hesitation.
Meaning
This phrase describes that sudden wave of panic you get right before you're supposed to do something important or exciting. It's that feeling of your stomach dropping, and you suddenly want to back out. Think of it as your courage freezing up just when you need it most.
Key Examples
3 of 11Texting a friend about a date
I was supposed to go on that blind date tonight, but I totally got cold feet and cancelled.
I was supposed to go on that blind date tonight, but I totally lost my nerve and cancelled.
Discussing a wedding
He seemed so excited about the wedding, but on the day, he got cold feet and didn't show up.
He seemed so excited about the wedding, but on the day, he lost his nerve and didn't show up.
Job interview follow-up
I really wanted the promotion, but when the offer came, I got cold feet about the extra responsibility.
I really wanted the promotion, but when the offer came, I became too nervous about the extra responsibility.
Cultural Background
The 'Runaway Bride' is a massive cultural trope. Movies like 'Runaway Bride' (1999) with Julia Roberts have made 'cold feet' synonymous with wedding anxiety. In the UK, 'Cold Feet' was the name of a very popular comedy-drama TV series that followed the lives of three couples, further cementing the phrase in the public consciousness. In global corporate culture, 'getting cold feet' on a merger or acquisition is seen as a major red flag for investors, often leading to a drop in stock price. While 'choking' is more common, commentators use 'cold feet' to describe a rookie player who looks paralyzed by the pressure of a big game.
Use 'about' to add detail
Always follow the phrase with 'about' if you want to say what is causing the fear. 'I got cold feet about the move.'
Don't say 'cold foot'
Even if you are only thinking about one thing, the idiom is always plural: 'feet'.
In 15 Seconds
- Sudden fear before a big event.
- Means losing your nerve.
- Common before weddings or jobs.
- It's about psychological hesitation.
What It Means
This idiom means to lose your nerve right before a big event. You planned something, but now you're scared. It’s like your courage suddenly disappeared. It’s a common feeling before weddings or big presentations. You might feel a sudden urge to run away or cancel.
Origin Story
The exact origin is a bit fuzzy, like a bad Wi-Fi signal. One popular theory links it to soldiers. In the past, marching in cold weather could literally make soldiers' feet cold. This might have made them slower or less effective. Another idea comes from boxing. A fighter with cold feet might be hesitant. They might not want to enter the ring. It's also possible it relates to stage fright. Performers might feel physically cold before going on stage. It's a feeling of sudden dread. It makes you want to stay put.
How To Use It
Use get cold feet when someone is backing out. It's usually about a significant planned event. Think weddings, job offers, or big commitments. You can use it to describe yourself or someone else. It's often used in the past tense. For example, 'He was going to propose, but he got cold feet.' You can also use it in the present or future. 'I'm worried I'll get cold feet.' It captures that moment of doubt.
Real-Life Examples
- Sarah was all set to move abroad. Then, the week before, she got cold feet. She decided to stay home instead.
- My friend was going to ask for a raise. He practiced his speech. But he got cold feet at the last minute.
- The company was about to launch a new product. The CEO got cold feet. He delayed the launch.
- I thought I'd jump out of the plane. Skydiving looked amazing! But at the edge, I got cold feet. I stayed on the ground.
- He was about to sign the contract. Then he got cold feet. He felt it was too much risk.
When To Use It
Use this when someone is hesitating. It's about a planned, important action. This could be a wedding, a job change, or a big move. It applies when the fear is sudden. It happens right before the event. It's about losing courage at the last moment. It's not for everyday nervousness. It’s for major life decisions. Think of it as a last-minute panic attack. It makes you question everything.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use get cold feet for minor decisions. If you're nervous about a movie date, that's not it. It's too strong for everyday worries. It's also not for situations where you were never committed. If you never planned to do something, you can't get cold feet about it. It’s also not a medical condition. Your feet won't actually feel cold. It’s purely psychological. So, avoid using it literally! That would be confusing.
Common Mistakes
Similar Expressions
- Lose your nerve: Very similar meaning. Focuses on losing courage.
- Back out: Means to withdraw from an agreement. Often implies getting cold feet.
- Have second thoughts: To reconsider a decision. Can lead to cold feet.
- Chicken out: Very informal. Means to avoid something due to fear.
- Get the jitters: To feel nervous or anxious. Less about backing out, more about the feeling itself.
Memory Trick
Imagine you're about to run a race. Your feet are literally cold from the pavement. You feel a sudden urge to just sit down. That physical coldness makes you hesitate. That's your brain freezing up! Your feet feel cold, and so does your courage. It's a freeze response. You're stuck in place. You can't move forward.
Quick FAQ
- Does it mean your feet are literally cold? No, it's an idiom. It’s about emotional fear.
- When does this usually happen? Right before a big, planned event.
- Can anyone get cold feet? Yes, anyone can experience this.
- Is it a permanent feeling? No, it's usually temporary. You might overcome it or decide not to proceed.
Usage Notes
This is an informal idiom, best used in spoken English or casual writing like texts and social media. Avoid it in highly formal contexts. A common pitfall is using the wrong preposition; it's usually 'get cold feet *about*' or 'get cold feet *over*' a situation, not 'from'.
Use 'about' to add detail
Always follow the phrase with 'about' if you want to say what is causing the fear. 'I got cold feet about the move.'
Don't say 'cold foot'
Even if you are only thinking about one thing, the idiom is always plural: 'feet'.
Examples
11I was supposed to go on that blind date tonight, but I totally got cold feet and cancelled.
I was supposed to go on that blind date tonight, but I totally lost my nerve and cancelled.
Shows canceling a planned social event due to sudden nervousness.
He seemed so excited about the wedding, but on the day, he got cold feet and didn't show up.
He seemed so excited about the wedding, but on the day, he lost his nerve and didn't show up.
Highlights a major life event where backing out due to fear is common.
I really wanted the promotion, but when the offer came, I got cold feet about the extra responsibility.
I really wanted the promotion, but when the offer came, I became too nervous about the extra responsibility.
Used for a professional context, showing hesitation about a career advancement.
Almost backed out of this marathon, but decided to face my fears! #NoColdFeet
Almost backed out of this marathon, but decided to face my fears! #NoColdFeet
Using the negative form in a hashtag to show determination.
I was all packed for my solo trip to Japan, but honestly? I got major cold feet.
I was all packed for my solo trip to Japan, but honestly? I got majorly nervous.
Expressing significant nervousness about a big personal adventure.
✗ I get cold feet before every exam.
I get nervous before every exam.
This phrase is too strong for regular exam anxiety; it implies backing out.
✗ My feet got cold when I saw the spider.
My feet felt cold when I saw the spider.
This phrase is an idiom; it doesn't refer to actual physical coldness of feet.
I was going to ask my boss for a dinosaur for the office, but then I got cold feet. Probably for the best.
I was going to ask my boss for a dinosaur for the office, but then I lost my nerve. Probably for the best.
Used humorously for an absurd or unlikely situation where one backs out.
The investors were ready to sign, but one key partner got cold feet at the last minute.
The investors were ready to sign, but one key partner became too nervous at the last minute.
Shows hesitation in a high-stakes business negotiation.
It's okay to get cold feet before the big presentation; just take a deep breath.
It's okay to feel nervous before the big presentation; just take a deep breath.
Acknowledging the feeling and offering encouragement.
Saw your post about starting the new business! Don't get cold feet now, you've got this!
Saw your post about starting the new business! Don't become too nervous now, you've got this!
Encouraging someone not to back out of a new venture.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'get cold feet'.
She was supposed to give the speech, but she ________ and left the stage.
The sentence is in the past tense ('left the stage'), so we use 'got'.
Which situation best fits the idiom 'get cold feet'?
Select the correct scenario:
The idiom refers to losing courage before a commitment.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Are you ready for the skydiving jump? B: I don't know... I think I'm ________.
'I think I'm...' requires the continuous form '-ing'.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
When to use 'Cold Feet'
Big Life Events
- • Weddings
- • Moving House
- • Having a Baby
Career/Money
- • New Job
- • Buying a Car
- • Investing
Practice Bank
3 exercisesShe was supposed to give the speech, but she ________ and left the stage.
The sentence is in the past tense ('left the stage'), so we use 'got'.
Select the correct scenario:
The idiom refers to losing courage before a commitment.
A: Are you ready for the skydiving jump? B: I don't know... I think I'm ________.
'I think I'm...' requires the continuous form '-ing'.
🎉 Score: /3
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsNo, it's not rude. It's a very common and empathetic way to describe being nervous. However, calling someone else 'cowardly' is rude, while saying they 'got cold feet' is more polite.
Not really. It's usually reserved for significant, life-changing, or high-stakes decisions.
Related Phrases
have second thoughts
similarTo doubt a decision you have already made.
chicken out
similarTo decide not to do something because you are afraid.
back out
similarTo withdraw from a commitment.
bite off more than you can chew
builds onTo take on a task that is too big.
