Get Cold Feet
Meaning
To suddenly become nervous or fearful about something one was planning to do, often causing one to abandon it.
Origin
The phrase "get cold feet" emerged in the late 19th century, particularly gaining traction in American English, to describe the sudden onset of nervousness or fear that causes someone to abandon a plan. One compelling theory traces its roots to the tense atmosphere of gambling halls, particularly during poker games. A player who became nervous or lost confidence in their hand might literally complain of having "cold feet" as an excuse to withdraw from the high-stakes game. This physical sensation of unease, combined with the act of backing out, quickly transformed into a powerful metaphor for any situation where a person loses their nerve and retreats from a commitment, whether it be a marriage, a business deal, or a challenging performance.
Examples
- She was all set to bungee jump, but at the last minute, she got cold feet and couldn't go through with it.
- After months of planning the wedding, he started to get cold feet about such a huge commitment.