Use cold feet when someone suddenly loses confidence and backs out of a plan at the last minute.
Use cold feet when someone suddenly loses confidence and backs out of a plan at the last minute.
The idiom is often mis‑used by dropping the plural feet or by applying it to any nervous feeling, not just last‑minute hesitation.
From a 19th‑century American expression that originally referred to financial difficulty, later shifted to mean fear or hesitation.
What does cold feet mean?
Cold feet means a sudden loss of confidence that makes someone hesitate or back out of a planned action.
How is cold feet used in a sentence?
You can say, She got cold feet before the interview to show she became nervous at the last moment.
Can cold feet be used for any nervous feeling?
No, it is best used for last‑minute hesitation, not for general nervousness.
What is the origin of cold feet?
The phrase began in the 19th century as a reference to financial trouble and later evolved to describe fear or hesitation.
Are there synonyms for cold feet?
Yes, common alternatives include have second thoughts, hesitate, and waver.
What are common mistakes when using cold feet?
People often drop the plural feet or use the idiom for any nervous feeling, which can change its intended meaning.