cold feet

American  

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.

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cold feet British  

plural noun

1. informal loss or lack of courage or confidence

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cold feet Cultural  

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.”

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Etymology

Origin of cold feet

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

There has been no public indication so far that sponsors are getting cold feet.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

With the market suddenly getting cold feet over artificial intelligence, investors have been snapping up shares of long-neglected staples stocks.

From Barron's • Feb. 17, 2026

Home-purchase cancellations remain elevated because high housing costs and economic uncertainty are giving some buyers cold feet.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 4, 2025

The cold feet so many buyers are feeling reflects the current vibe of uncertainty in today’s housing market.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 23, 2025

But I also know I can’t risk ruining my escape if Voxy gets cold feet and tells Nyla I took one of the relics.

From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera