get cold feet in 30 Seconds
- Feeling sudden fear or doubt about a planned commitment.
- Often happens right before a big event like a wedding.
- Means losing courage and wanting to back out.
- A common, informal way to describe hesitation.
He was all set to propose, but at the last moment, he started to get cold feet.
Starting a business is exciting, but many entrepreneurs get cold feet when they realize the sheer amount of work involved.
- Common Scenarios
- 1. Weddings: A classic example is someone feeling nervous about marriage right before the ceremony.
2. Major purchases: Deciding to buy a house or a car can sometimes trigger this feeling.
3. Career changes: Quitting a stable job to pursue a dream career can be daunting.
4. Travel: Embarking on a long or solo trip to an unfamiliar destination.
5. Public speaking: Facing a large audience for the first time.
- Psychological Aspect
- The phenomenon of 'getting cold feet' is often linked to cognitive dissonance, where a person's beliefs, ideas, or values are inconsistent with their actions. The impending commitment might highlight this inconsistency, leading to anxiety and a desire to back out. It can also be a manifestation of the fear of the unknown or a fear of regret.
2. **Career:** "She was offered her dream job in another country, but she began to get cold feet when she thought about leaving her family."
3. **Business:** "The investors were ready to fund the project, but at the last minute, they got cold feet due to market uncertainty."
4. **Personal Goals:** "I had planned to run a marathon, but a week before the race, I got cold feet because I wasn't sure I could finish."
5. **Travel:** "They were going to backpack through Europe for a year, but her partner got cold feet about the financial risks."
- **Present Continuous:** "I think he's starting to get cold feet about the move."
- **Past Tense:** "She got cold feet and decided not to go through with the adoption."
- **Future Tense:** "He might get cold feet closer to the wedding day."
- **Conditional:** "If you get cold feet now, we'll lose the deposit."
- "...right before the ceremony..."
- "...when he realized the commitment involved..."
- "...due to unexpected problems..."
- "...after much deliberation..."
Example: "Despite all the preparation, the bride got cold feet just hours before the wedding."
- back out of the plan
- postpone the decision
- seek reassurance
- reconsider their options
Example: "He got cold feet about the job offer and decided to ask for more time to think."
The thought of moving abroad was exciting, but then I started to get cold feet about leaving my friends behind.
After weeks of planning the party, the host suddenly got cold feet and cancelled it.
The movie's plot revolved around the groom who got cold feet on his wedding day.
My friend was supposed to join me on my trip, but she got cold feet after hearing about the travel warnings.
- Online Forums and Social Media
- In online communities, especially those discussing relationships, weddings, or major life changes, people often share their experiences with 'getting cold feet'. It's a common way to express vulnerability and seek advice or solidarity from others who have gone through similar situations.
- Job Interviews and Career Advice
- When discussing career decisions, such as accepting a new job offer or starting a freelance career, people might admit to having gotten cold feet due to the pressure or uncertainty involved.
Incorrect: He cold feet before his public speech.
Correct: He got cold feet before his public speech.
Incorrect: She was worried her feet would get cold from the nervousness.
Correct: She started to get cold feet about the commitment.
Example: He hesitated before signing the contract.
Comparison: 'Getting cold feet' is a more specific type of hesitation driven by fear or nervousness about a significant commitment.
Example: I was going to buy the red car, but I had second thoughts and chose the blue one.
Comparison: 'Getting cold feet' typically implies a stronger emotional reaction (fear, anxiety) and is often associated with major life events like weddings or career changes.
Example: He promised to help, but he backed out at the last minute.
Comparison: 'Getting cold feet' is the feeling or state of mind that might *lead* someone to back out. Backing out is the result, while getting cold feet is the cause.
Example: She lost her courage when she saw how dangerous the situation was.
Comparison: 'Getting cold feet' is a specific way of losing courage, particularly related to a pre-planned commitment. It's a more idiomatic and nuanced expression.
Example: I always get nervous before exams.
Comparison: While nervousness and anxiety are components of 'getting cold feet', the idiom specifically links these feelings to a sudden withdrawal from a commitment. You can be nervous about something without getting cold feet (e.g., nervous about a first date, but still going).
Example: The actor developed stage fright and couldn't go on stage.
Comparison: 'Stage fright' is specific to performance situations. 'Getting cold feet' is broader and applies to any significant commitment, not just performing.
He was going to jump, but then he had second thoughts about the height.
The team captain backed out of the competition due to an injury.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
One theory suggests the phrase might have originated from the idea of a runner's feet becoming cold and stiff, hindering their ability to start a race. Another links it to the coldness felt in one's feet when standing still for too long, perhaps in anticipation or fear.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'cold' as 'cawed'.
- Shortening the 'ee' sound in 'feet' to an 'ih' sound.
- Incorrectly stressing 'cold' instead of 'feet'.
Difficulty Rating
The idiom 'get cold feet' is common in everyday English. Understanding its figurative meaning is key. Learners might initially misinterpret it literally. Recognizing the context is crucial for accurate comprehension.
Using the idiom correctly in writing requires understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts. Overuse or misuse can sound unnatural.
Pronouncing the idiom correctly and using it spontaneously in conversation can be challenging. It's important to practice using it in relevant situations.
The idiom is frequently used in spoken English, making it relatively easy to understand once the meaning is known. Context usually clarifies its usage.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Using the Past Tense of 'get cold feet'
She got cold feet before her wedding.
Using the Present Participle 'getting cold feet'
He started to get cold feet about the move.
Using 'cold feet' as a Noun Phrase
It was a classic case of cold feet.
Using 'give someone cold feet'
The bad news gave him cold feet about investing.
Using 'about' or 'before' with 'cold feet'
He got cold feet about the decision. / She got cold feet before the presentation.
Examples by Level
He wanted to go to the party, but he got cold feet.
He wanted to go to the party, but he felt too nervous to go.
Past tense of 'get cold feet'.
She was going to ask for a new job, but she got cold feet.
She was going to ask for a new job, but she became too afraid to do it.
Past tense of 'get cold feet'.
The dog was going to jump over the fence, but it got cold feet.
The dog was going to jump over the fence, but it became scared.
Past tense of 'get cold feet'.
I wanted to sing on stage, but I got cold feet.
I wanted to sing on stage, but I became too nervous.
Past tense of 'get cold feet'.
They were going to buy the house, but they got cold feet.
They were going to buy the house, but they changed their minds because they were worried.
Past tense of 'get cold feet'.
He was going to ask her to marry him, but he got cold feet.
He was going to ask her to marry him, but he became too nervous to do it.
Past tense of 'get cold feet'.
The team was going to play the final match, but they got cold feet.
The team was going to play the final match, but they became too scared to play.
Past tense of 'get cold feet'.
She wanted to start a new hobby, but she got cold feet.
She wanted to start a new hobby, but she felt too unsure to begin.
Past tense of 'get cold feet'.
He was planning to quit his job and travel the world, but he started to get cold feet about leaving his comfortable life.
He was planning to quit his job and travel the world, but he began to feel nervous and uncertain about leaving his familiar and easy life.
Present participle 'getting' used with 'started to'.
The couple had planned their wedding for a year, but the bride got cold feet the night before.
The couple had planned their wedding for a year, but the bride became suddenly nervous and uncertain about getting married the night before the ceremony.
Simple past tense 'got'.
Despite all the preparation, the entrepreneur got cold feet about launching the new product.
Despite all the preparation, the person starting the business became nervous and reconsidered launching the new product.
Simple past tense 'got'.
I was excited about moving to a new city, but I began to get cold feet when I thought about starting over alone.
I was excited about moving to a new city, but I began to feel nervous and uncertain when I thought about beginning my life there by myself.
Present participle 'getting' used with 'began to'.
She was going to confess her feelings, but she got cold feet at the last moment.
She was going to tell him how she felt, but she became too nervous to do it just before she was about to speak.
Simple past tense 'got'.
The investors were ready to sign the deal, but they got cold feet due to the recent economic downturn.
The people investing money were ready to agree to the deal, but they became hesitant and reconsidered because of the recent bad economic situation.
Simple past tense 'got'.
He was determined to run the marathon, but he started to get cold feet when he realized how much training was involved.
He was determined to run the marathon, but he began to feel nervous and reconsider when he understood the large amount of training required.
Present participle 'getting' used with 'started to'.
They had agreed to adopt a dog, but the family got cold feet when they saw how energetic it was.
They had agreed to take a dog into their home, but the family became hesitant and reconsidered when they saw how much energy the dog had.
Simple past tense 'got'.
Despite his initial enthusiasm for the challenging project, Mark began to get cold feet as the deadline loomed and the complexity became apparent.
Despite his initial excitement for the difficult project, Mark started to feel nervous and hesitant as the final date for completion approached and the intricate nature of the work became clear.
Present participle 'getting' used with 'began to'.
The politician was poised to announce his candidacy, but he reportedly got cold feet at the eleventh hour, citing unforeseen personal reasons.
The politician was ready to announce he was running for office, but he became suddenly nervous and reconsidered at the very last moment, mentioning unexpected personal issues.
Simple past tense 'got'.
She had always dreamed of starting her own gallery, but she got cold feet when she realized the substantial financial investment required.
She had always dreamed of starting her own gallery, but she became hesitant and reconsidered when she understood the large amount of money needed.
Simple past tense 'got'.
The couple was excited about their upcoming honeymoon cruise, but the husband got cold feet contemplating the extended time away from work.
The couple was excited about their upcoming honeymoon cruise, but the husband became nervous and reconsidered thinking about the long period of absence from his job.
Simple past tense 'got'.
He was all set to propose to his girlfriend, but he got cold feet when he considered the lifelong commitment.
He was fully prepared to ask his girlfriend to marry him, but he became suddenly hesitant and nervous when he thought about the commitment for the rest of his life.
Simple past tense 'got'.
The team was confident they would win the championship, but they got cold feet facing such a formidable opponent in the finals.
The team was confident they would win the championship, but they became intimidated and nervous when confronting such a strong opponent in the final match.
Simple past tense 'got'.
She had accepted the scholarship to study abroad, but she started to get cold feet about leaving her familiar support system.
She had accepted the scholarship to study abroad, but she began to feel nervous and uncertain about leaving her usual network of friends and family.
Present participle 'getting' used with 'started to'.
The company was on the verge of a major acquisition, but the board got cold feet due to recent market volatility.
The company was very close to completing a major purchase of another company, but the board members became hesitant and reconsidered because of recent unstable market conditions.
Simple past tense 'got'.
Having committed to a demanding expedition across Antarctica, the explorer found himself grappling with unexpected bouts of cold feet as the departure date approached.
Having committed to a challenging journey across Antarctica, the explorer discovered he was struggling with sudden moments of intense fear and hesitation as the date of departure drew nearer.
Noun form 'cold feet' used as the object of 'bouts of'.
The CEO, renowned for his bold decisions, unexpectedly got cold feet regarding the merger, citing a shift in strategic priorities.
The Chief Executive Officer, known for his daring choices, surprisingly became hesitant and reconsidered the merger, mentioning a change in the company's main goals.
Simple past tense 'got'.
She was on the cusp of accepting a lucrative position overseas, but she developed cold feet, realizing the profound implications of uprooting her entire life.
She was very close to accepting a highly profitable job in another country, but she began to feel nervous and uncertain, understanding the deep consequences of completely changing her life.
Noun form 'cold feet' as the object of 'developed'.
The government agency was prepared to implement the controversial policy, but key stakeholders got cold feet, fearing public backlash.
The government department was ready to put the debated policy into action, but important individuals involved became hesitant and reconsidered, worried about negative public reaction.
Simple past tense 'got'.
He had meticulously planned his retirement abroad, yet he found himself getting cold feet the closer he got to the actual move.
He had carefully planned his retirement in another country, yet he discovered he was becoming increasingly nervous and uncertain as the actual move became nearer.
Present participle 'getting' used with 'found himself'.
The artist, celebrated for her avant-garde work, admitted to experiencing cold feet before unveiling her most ambitious installation to date.
The artist, praised for her experimental work, confessed to feeling nervous and hesitant before revealing her most challenging and large-scale artwork yet.
Noun form 'cold feet' as the object of 'experiencing'.
The venture capitalist was ready to invest millions, but he got cold feet when the startup's projected growth seemed overly optimistic.
The investor was ready to put a large sum of money into the new company, but he became hesitant and reconsidered when the startup's expected increase in success seemed too good to be true.
Simple past tense 'got'.
She had always envisioned a grand wedding, but the sheer scale of the preparations led her to get cold feet.
She had always imagined a large and elaborate wedding, but the immense amount of work required for the preparations made her feel nervous and reconsider.
Present participle 'getting' used with 'led her to'.
The seasoned diplomat, accustomed to high-stakes negotiations, found himself unnervingly susceptible to cold feet when faced with the unprecedented geopolitical crisis.
The experienced diplomat, who was used to important and difficult negotiations, discovered himself to be surprisingly vulnerable to sudden fear and hesitation when confronted with a crisis of international significance that had never happened before.
Noun form 'cold feet' used as the object of 'susceptible to'.
Having committed to a solo circumnavigation of the globe, the adventurer experienced profound cold feet during a treacherous storm in the Southern Ocean.
Having pledged to sail around the world alone, the adventurer felt a deep and intense fear and hesitation during a dangerous storm in the southern part of the ocean.
Noun form 'cold feet' used as the object of 'experienced'.
The architect, renowned for his daring designs, confessed to getting cold feet about the structural integrity of his most ambitious skyscraper yet.
The architect, famous for his bold designs, admitted to feeling nervous and hesitant about how strong and stable his most challenging tall building to date would be.
Present participle 'getting' used with 'confessed to'.
The board of directors, usually resolute, got cold feet about the merger when new, unfavorable market data emerged just days before the final vote.
The board of directors, who were normally firm in their decisions, became suddenly hesitant and reconsidered the merger when new, negative information about the market appeared just a few days before the final decision was to be made.
Simple past tense 'got'.
She had painstakingly prepared for years to win the gold medal, but the immense pressure of the Olympic final led her to get cold feet.
She had spent many years with great effort preparing to win the gold medal, but the enormous pressure of the final Olympic competition caused her to feel sudden fear and hesitation.
Present participle 'getting' used with 'led her to'.
The acclaimed author, after completing the manuscript for his magnum opus, experienced a paralyzing bout of cold feet regarding its publication.
The famous writer, after finishing the final version of his greatest work, felt a completely overwhelming and immobilizing period of fear and hesitation concerning its release to the public.
Noun form 'cold feet' as the object of 'experienced'.
The seasoned investor, usually unflappable, got cold feet about funding the startup when the CEO's confidence seemed to border on delusion.
The experienced investor, who was normally calm and not easily upset, became suddenly hesitant and reconsidered investing in the new company when the CEO's self-assurance appeared to be excessively unrealistic.
Simple past tense 'got'.
He had envisioned a triumphant return to his hometown, but the prospect of facing his past led him to get cold feet.
He had imagined a glorious and successful return to the place where he grew up, but the idea of confronting his history caused him to feel sudden fear and hesitation.
Present participle 'getting' used with 'led him to'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— To suddenly become nervous or frightened about a plan or commitment, often leading to reconsidering or backing out.
He was supposed to propose, but he got cold feet.
— Similar to 'get cold feet', referring to the state of being nervous or hesitant about something planned.
She's having cold feet about her upcoming job interview.
— To make someone else become nervous or hesitant about a plan.
The bad news gave him cold feet about investing.
— A period of feeling nervous or hesitant about something.
He experienced a bout of cold feet right before the wedding.
— Used to emphasize that someone is genuinely experiencing significant nervousness and hesitation.
It wasn't just nerves; it was a real case of cold feet before the final exam.
— Specifically refers to the nervousness and doubt felt by someone engaged, shortly before their wedding.
Many couples experience pre-wedding cold feet; it's quite normal.
— Hesitation or nervousness that occurs very close to the time a planned event is supposed to happen.
He almost backed out due to last-minute cold feet.
— Nervousness experienced by performers before appearing in front of an audience. Similar to cold feet but specific to performance.
The actor suffered from stage fright before his performance.
— Reconsidering a decision due to doubt. Broader than cold feet, which is more about fear.
She had second thoughts about her career choice.
— To withdraw from a commitment or agreement. This is often the action taken when someone gets cold feet.
He decided to back out of the deal at the last minute.
Often Confused With
'Stage fright' specifically refers to the fear performers feel before going on stage. 'Cold feet' is broader and applies to any significant commitment, not just performing.
This describes general nervousness, often with excitement. 'Cold feet' implies a stronger fear that leads to reconsideration or backing out of a plan.
'Second thoughts' means reconsidering a decision. While similar, 'cold feet' emphasizes fear and nervousness specifically related to a commitment, often right before it happens.
Idioms & Expressions
— To suddenly become nervous or frightened about a planned event or commitment, especially one that is important or involves a significant change.
He was all set to propose, but he got cold feet at the last minute.
Informal— To be experiencing nervousness or doubt about a plan or commitment.
She's been having cold feet about starting her own business.
Informal— To cause someone else to become nervous or hesitant about a plan.
The dire warnings from the experts gave the investors cold feet.
Informal— Used to describe a situation where someone is experiencing significant nervousness or hesitation about a commitment.
It looks like a classic case of cold feet before the wedding.
Informal— Specifically refers to the nervousness and doubt experienced by someone engaged, shortly before their wedding day.
It's common for brides and grooms to experience pre-wedding cold feet.
Informal— Hesitation or nervousness that arises very close to the time a planned event is supposed to occur.
He almost backed out of the deal due to last-minute cold feet.
Informal— To try to overcome or manage feelings of nervousness or doubt about a commitment.
The couple took counseling to combat their pre-wedding cold feet.
Neutral— To give in to feelings of nervousness or hesitation and abandon a plan.
He succumbed to cold feet and didn't go through with the skydiving.
Neutral— The sensation or emotion of nervousness and doubt associated with a planned commitment.
She tried to ignore the feeling of cold feet and proceeded with her speech.
Neutral— A slight feeling of nervousness or doubt about a plan.
He admitted to having just a touch of cold feet before the big game.
InformalEasily Confused
The idea of 'cold feet' can evoke the image of freezing, both physically and metaphorically (freezing in fear).
'Freeze' can mean to stop moving due to fear or to become very cold. 'Get cold feet' is a specific idiom for losing courage before a commitment. You might freeze in fear, but you 'get cold feet' about a plan.
He froze when the dog barked, but he got cold feet about asking for a raise.
'Getting cold feet' often leads to 'backing out'.
'Getting cold feet' is the feeling of nervousness and hesitation that causes someone to reconsider. 'Back out' is the action of withdrawing from a commitment. One is the cause, the other is the result.
She got cold feet about the wedding, so she decided to back out.
Both involve pausing or being slow to act due to doubt.
'Hesitate' is a general term for pausing. 'Get cold feet' is a specific type of hesitation driven by fear or anxiety about a major commitment.
He hesitated before signing the contract, but he didn't get cold feet.
Doubt is a component of getting cold feet.
Doubt is a feeling of uncertainty. 'Getting cold feet' is a more intense feeling, often involving fear, that specifically relates to backing away from a commitment.
He had doubts about the plan, but he didn't get cold feet.
'Cold feet' are felt in relation to a commitment.
A commitment is a promise or obligation. 'Getting cold feet' is the feeling of nervousness that arises when facing or about to undertake a commitment.
The commitment was daunting, causing him to get cold feet.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + got cold feet.
The dog got cold feet.
Subject + got cold feet + before/about + noun/gerund.
She got cold feet before the exam.
Subject + started to get cold feet + about/before + noun/gerund.
He started to get cold feet about the move.
Subject + got cold feet + due to/because of + noun phrase.
They got cold feet due to the financial risks.
Subject + get cold feet + when + clause.
He gets cold feet when he thinks about the commitment.
Subject + found oneself getting cold feet + as/when + clause.
The explorer found himself getting cold feet as the departure date approached.
A case of cold feet + verb + subject.
It was a case of cold feet that made him cancel.
Subject + susceptible to cold feet + when + clause.
The diplomat was susceptible to cold feet when faced with the crisis.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
High
-
Using it for minor decisions.
→
Using it for major commitments.
'Getting cold feet' implies significant hesitation due to fear about a major plan, not just a slight change of mind about something trivial.
-
Interpreting it literally (feet are physically cold).
→
Understanding it as a figurative expression for fear and doubt.
The idiom describes a psychological state of nervousness, not a physical temperature of one's feet. The 'cold' is metaphorical for a lack of courage.
-
Incorrect verb conjugation (e.g., 'He cold feet').
→
Using the correct verb form (get/gets/got/getting).
It's an idiomatic phrase that requires a verb like 'get' or 'have'. 'He got cold feet' or 'She gets cold feet' are correct.
-
Confusing it with 'stage fright' or 'butterflies'.
→
Using 'cold feet' for commitment-related fear, 'stage fright' for performance fear, and 'butterflies' for general nervousness.
'Cold feet' specifically relates to backing out of a commitment due to fear, whereas 'stage fright' is about performing and 'butterflies' is more general nervousness.
-
Using it in very formal writing.
→
Using it in informal conversations or less formal writing.
As an idiom, 'get cold feet' is generally considered informal and best suited for conversational contexts or personal narratives, not formal academic or business documents.
Tips
Visualize the Feeling
Imagine your feet literally getting cold and stiff, preventing you from stepping forward into something important. This visual can help you remember the meaning of hesitation and fear.
Stress the Right Word
The main stress in 'get cold feet' falls on 'feet'. Practice saying it with emphasis on that word to sound more natural.
Correct Verb Forms
Ensure you use the correct verb tense: 'get cold feet' (present), 'gets cold feet' (third person singular present), 'got cold feet' (past), 'getting cold feet' (present participle).
Relate to Personal Experience
Think about times you've felt nervous before a big event. Connect that feeling to the idiom 'get cold feet' to make it more memorable.
Consider Synonyms
While 'get cold feet' is common, know similar phrases like 'have second thoughts' or 'lose one's nerve' to vary your vocabulary.
Recognize Common Scenarios
The idiom is frequently associated with weddings, major career changes, or big life decisions. Recognizing these contexts helps in understanding its usage.
Use in Sentences
Actively try to use the idiom in your own sentences, both in writing and speaking, to solidify your understanding and usage.
Distinguish from General Nervousness
'Cold feet' implies a specific type of nervousness that leads to reconsidering a commitment, rather than just general anxiety.
Understand the Imagery
The 'cold' in 'cold feet' evokes a physical sensation of fear, suggesting a loss of warmth and courage, which helps explain the idiom's meaning.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine you're about to jump into a cold pool (your commitment). If your feet get so cold you can't bring yourself to jump, you've 'got cold feet'. The coldness represents the fear preventing you from taking the plunge.
Visual Association
Picture someone standing at the edge of a cliff, looking down with fear. Their feet are literally touching the cold, rocky ground, and they are hesitating to jump. This visual reinforces the idea of fear causing a halt before a significant action.
Word Web
Challenge
Think of a time you almost didn't do something important because you were scared. Describe that situation using the idiom 'get cold feet'.
Word Origin
The exact origin of the idiom 'to get cold feet' is uncertain, but it likely emerged in the late 19th or early 20th century. The imagery evokes a physical sensation of fear or anxiety, where extremities might literally become cold due to blood flow redirection during stress.
Original meaning: The literal meaning relates to the physical sensation of cold extremities, often associated with fear or shock. Figuratively, it signifies a loss of courage or resolve.
EnglishCultural Context
The idiom is generally not considered offensive. However, it's informal, so avoid using it in highly formal settings. It's used to describe a common human emotion and is often met with understanding.
In English-speaking cultures, this idiom is very common and widely understood. It's often used in contexts like weddings, job changes, or major purchases to describe a person's sudden loss of nerve.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Weddings and Engagements
- The bride got cold feet.
- He's experiencing pre-wedding cold feet.
- Don't let last-minute cold feet ruin your big day.
Career Changes and Job Interviews
- She got cold feet about quitting her job.
- I almost got cold feet before the interview.
- He had cold feet about the new role.
Major Purchases (Houses, Cars)
- They got cold feet about buying the expensive car.
- The couple had cold feet about the mortgage.
- He decided to back out due to cold feet.
Travel and Moving
- She got cold feet about moving abroad.
- He had cold feet before his solo trip.
- Last-minute cold feet made him cancel the vacation.
Personal Goals and Challenges
- I got cold feet about running the marathon.
- He had cold feet before his public speech.
- Don't let cold feet stop you from trying.
Conversation Starters
"Have you ever gotten cold feet about something important?"
"What do you think causes people to get cold feet before big events?"
"Can you think of a time when someone you know got cold feet?"
"What's the best way to deal with getting cold feet?"
"What's the difference between getting cold feet and just being nervous?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a situation where you or someone you know experienced 'cold feet'. What was the plan, and what caused the hesitation?
If you were about to undertake a major commitment and started to 'get cold feet', what steps would you take to either overcome it or make a considered decision to back out?
How does the idiom 'get cold feet' relate to the fear of the unknown? Discuss this connection.
Imagine you are advising someone who is experiencing 'cold feet' about their upcoming wedding. What advice would you give them?
Reflect on a time you successfully overcame 'cold feet' to achieve a goal. What helped you push through your doubts?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsTo 'get cold feet' means to suddenly become nervous, frightened, or uncertain about a significant plan or commitment, especially right before it is supposed to happen. It often leads to reconsidering or wanting to back out of the plan.
This idiom is commonly used in situations involving major life events or decisions. Classic examples include getting married, starting a new job, making a large purchase like a house, or embarking on a significant journey.
Not necessarily. While it indicates fear or doubt, it can sometimes be a signal that a decision needs more careful consideration or that there are valid reasons to reconsider. However, it often means missing out on an opportunity due to fear.
Generally, 'cold feet' refers to significant plans or commitments. For smaller decisions, phrases like 'having second thoughts' or 'feeling hesitant' might be more appropriate. Using 'cold feet' for trivial matters can sound exaggerated.
'Stage fright' is a specific type of nervousness experienced by performers before going on stage. 'Getting cold feet' is a broader term for losing courage or becoming hesitant about any important commitment, not just performing.
Yes, the phrase 'give someone cold feet' means to cause another person to become nervous or hesitant about a plan. For example, bad news might give investors cold feet.
No, while weddings are a very common context for this idiom, it applies to any significant commitment. This could include starting a business, moving to a new country, or taking on a challenging new role.
Similar phrases include 'have second thoughts', 'lose one's nerve', 'hesitate', 'back out', or 'develop jitters'. The best alternative depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Overcoming cold feet often involves addressing the source of the fear, seeking reassurance, breaking down the commitment into smaller steps, or simply deciding to proceed despite the nervousness. Sometimes, acknowledging the feeling and deciding to go through with it anyway is key.
No, 'get cold feet' is an idiom and is not literal. It describes a psychological state of fear and hesitation, not a physical condition of having cold feet.
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Summary
To 'get cold feet' means to suddenly become very nervous or scared about a significant plan or commitment, often leading to a desire to back out right before it happens, like before a wedding or starting a new job.
- Feeling sudden fear or doubt about a planned commitment.
- Often happens right before a big event like a wedding.
- Means losing courage and wanting to back out.
- A common, informal way to describe hesitation.
Context is Key
Remember that 'get cold feet' is informal and typically applies to significant plans or commitments. Using it for minor decisions might sound odd or exaggerated.
Visualize the Feeling
Imagine your feet literally getting cold and stiff, preventing you from stepping forward into something important. This visual can help you remember the meaning of hesitation and fear.
Stress the Right Word
The main stress in 'get cold feet' falls on 'feet'. Practice saying it with emphasis on that word to sound more natural.
Correct Verb Forms
Ensure you use the correct verb tense: 'get cold feet' (present), 'gets cold feet' (third person singular present), 'got cold feet' (past), 'getting cold feet' (present participle).
Example
She got cold feet about the presentation at the last minute.
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A2A strong feeling of annoyance or hostility.
crazy
B1Mad; insane.
cry
A2To produce tears, often because you are sad or hurt.
dear
A2Regarded with deep affection; beloved.
desire
B2To strongly wish for or want something.
dislike
A2To not like someone or something.
dull
A2Lacking interest or excitement.
excitement
A2The state of being very happy and enthusiastic.
fantastic
A2Extraordinarily good or attractive.
