cold feet

noun

, Informal.

1. a loss or lack of courage or confidence; an onset of uncertainty or fear:

   She got cold feet when asked to sing a solo.

cold feet

plural noun

1. informal.
   loss or lack of courage or confidence

cold feet

1. To “have cold feet” is to be too fearful to undertake or complete an action: “The backup quarterback was called into the game, but he got cold feet and refused to go in.”

Word History and Origins

Origin of cold feet¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

When Jonathan suggests that Morrison move into his apartment, Morrison gets cold feet.

From Los Angeles Times

On the permission to use long-range missiles, critics of Biden have accused him of getting cold feet as he tries to help Harris into the White House.

From BBC

Too many at all levels get cold feet and opt to wait for the “right time” to run.

From Los Angeles Times

But since Biden has dropped out and is likely to be replaced as the Democratic nominee by Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump is getting cold feet.

From Salon

When delays pushed the land auction until June, the NHL and the players’ association got cold feet about continuing to play at Mullett Arena, the loud-but-bandbox-sized venue shared with Arizona State University.

From Seattle Times