Meaning
To become hesitant or lose courage in pursuing a goal.
Cultural Background
In classical poetry, the 'path' (rah) is a metaphor for life. 'Pa sost kardan' is the ultimate failure of the seeker. Often used in dramas to describe a character who betrays a cause or a friend due to fear. Commentators use it when a team loses their lead or energy in the final minutes. Merchants use it to describe a buyer who was interested but then starts to back out of a deal.
Use it for 'Cold Feet'
This is the most natural translation for the English 'cold feet' in a romantic or commitment context.
Don't use for physical pain
If your feet hurt from walking, say 'pāyam dard mikonad', not 'pā sost kardam'.
Meaning
To become hesitant or lose courage in pursuing a goal.
Use it for 'Cold Feet'
This is the most natural translation for the English 'cold feet' in a romantic or commitment context.
Don't use for physical pain
If your feet hurt from walking, say 'pāyam dard mikonad', not 'pā sost kardam'.
Poetic usage
Using this in a poem or a letter makes you sound very sophisticated and well-read.
Negative form
The negative 'پا سست نکردن' is a very strong way to say someone is brave and determined.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
او وقتی کوه بلند را دید، برای بالا رفتن ________.
The context of seeing a high mountain and hesitating fits 'پا سست کرد'.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly?
Choose the correct usage:
This correctly uses the idiom to show determination in a metaphorical 'path'.
Complete the dialogue.
علی: چرا نیومدی مسابقه؟ رضا: راستش، دمِ آخر ________.
'Pa sost kardan' explains why someone didn't show up due to losing nerve.
Match the situation to the phrase.
A person is about to propose but gets scared and walks away.
This is a classic 'cold feet' situation.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesاو وقتی کوه بلند را دید، برای بالا رفتن ________.
The context of seeing a high mountain and hesitating fits 'پا سست کرد'.
Choose the correct usage:
This correctly uses the idiom to show determination in a metaphorical 'path'.
علی: چرا نیومدی مسابقه؟ رضا: راستش، دمِ آخر ________.
'Pa sost kardan' explains why someone didn't show up due to losing nerve.
A person is about to propose but gets scared and walks away.
This is a classic 'cold feet' situation.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it is a standard idiom used in both formal and informal Persian.
No, it is only for people or organizations with 'will'.
The opposite is 'پافشاری کردن' (to insist/stand firm).
Usually, but it can also mean being tempted by something else.
ما پا سست کردیم (Mā pā sost kardim).
Yes, but use 'pāyam sost ast' instead of the verb 'kardan'.
Yes, very often when a partner wants to back out of a contract.
Not at all. It's a descriptive idiom.
Yes! 'برای رژیم گرفتن پا سست کردم' (I wavered on my diet).
The concept is A1, but using it naturally is B1.
Related Phrases
پای کسی لرزیدن
similarTo have one's feet tremble
دلسرد شدن
synonymTo become cold-hearted
پافشاری کردن
contrastTo press one's foot down
وا دادن
informalTo give in
تردید کردن
synonymTo doubt
