ɡɛt koʊld fiːt
Emotions
informal
beginner
- Literally:
- To have feet that become cold in temperature
What does "get cold feet" mean?
- To become nervous or afraid before doing something important
- To lose confidence or courage at a crucial moment
Examples
- She got cold feet before her wedding and almost didn't show up.
- I was going to ask for a raise but got cold feet at the last minute.
- Don't get cold feet now—we've come too far to back out.
Origin
First recorded in the 1890s, possibly from the physical sensation of fear causing reduced blood flow to extremities, making feet feel cold.
How to use it
Very common expression for nervousness before important events, especially weddings or major decisions.
Similar expressions
lose nerve
chicken out
have second thoughts
get nervous
Opposites
be confident
be bold
stay resolute
Related idioms
- hang in there
To persevere during difficult times
- lose your temper
To become suddenly angry
- on top of the world
Feeling extremely happy and successful
- rain on someone's parade
To spoil someone's plans or enthusiasm
- blow off steam
To release pent-up energy or emotion through activity
- pull yourself together
To regain composure and self-control
Use it in a practice answer
Try "get cold feet" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.