- A loss of nerve or confidence; a feeling of nervousness, fear, or sudden doubt that prevents someone from proceeding with a planned action, especially a significant commitment like marriage, a performance, or a risky venture.
Explanation
Origin
The exact origin is debated, but theories include:
- Military context: Soldiers without proper (warm) boots might be reluctant ('cold feet') to march or fight.
- Poker: A player low on funds or confidence might withdraw, possibly associated with feeling 'cold'.
- Literary source: An 1862 German novel by Fritz Reuter features a card player excusing himself from a losing game by complaining of 'kalte Füße' (cold feet).
- Physiological reaction: Anxiety can restrict blood flow to extremities, literally causing cold hands and feet, which became associated with the feeling of fear or nervousness itself.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Chickened out. (Can be seen as slightly judgmental)
- Backed out.
- Got spooked.
- Lost nerve.
- Wimped out. (Similar to chickened out)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Pussied out. (Vulgar and offensive)
- Lost his/her fucking nerve.
Milder/Standard:
- Became hesitant.
- Had second thoughts.
- Felt too nervous to proceed.
- Lost confidence.
- Decided against it due to anxiety.
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal to semi-formal. Widely understood and generally acceptable, though chickening out is more negative.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Non-native speakers might initially think it refers to the literal temperature of someone's feet. The context of a significant planned action or commitment is crucial for understanding the metaphorical meaning of fear or doubt.
Examples
- He was all set to propose, but he got cold feet at the last moment.
- The investors got cold feet and pulled their funding after the negative press release.
- She practiced her speech for weeks but got cold feet right before going on stage.
Dialogue
Friend 1: Wasn't your brother supposed to skydive for his birthday?
Friend 2: He was, but he got cold feet when he was standing at the edge of the plane door.
Friend 1: I can't blame him! I'd probably do the same thing. Did he eventually jump?
Friend 2: No, he backed out. Maybe next year!
Social Media Examples
- Was about to click 'confirm purchase' on those expensive concert tickets... but got cold feet. Maybe next time! 😅 #budgeting #sensible
- My friend called off her wedding last week. Totally got cold feet. Sending her love. ❤️ #support #lifehappens
- Anyone else get major cold feet before job interviews? My nerves are shot! #jobsearch #anxiety
Response Patterns
- Oh no! Really?
- What happened? Why?
- Is everything okay?
- That's understandable, it's a big step.
- Did they go through with it eventually?
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After hearing someone got 'cold feet':
- Asking for the reason (What made them change their mind? or What specifically were they worried about?).
- Offering sympathy or support (That must have been difficult.).
- Inquiring about the consequences (So, what happened then? Is the wedding off?).
- Sharing similar experiences or normalizing the feeling.
Conversation Starter
- No. It describes a reaction to a specific planned event or commitment.
Intonation
- Often said with a tone of explanation, concern, or sometimes disappointment.
- Stress is on COLD FEET. She got COLD FEET before the wedding.
Generation Differences
- Universal expression, familiar to all age groups.
Regional Variations
- Universal across English-speaking regions.