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

It may well get cold feet and remove the line item before the bill makes it to a vote.

From Slate • May 9, 2026

“In that context, it makes sense that many Fed officials are getting cold feet about cuts” and want more flexible language, said Skanda Amarnath, executive director of Employ America.

From MarketWatch • May 1, 2026

Mubi spent $12 million in 2024 to buy “The Substance” after its original distributor, Universal Pictures, got cold feet.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

Moon Orchid rubbed this niece’s hands and cold feet.

From "The Woman Warrior" by Maxine Hong Kingston