English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Cold feet
Meaning
The idiom "cold feet" refers to a feeling of nervousness, hesitation or fear that makes someone unwilling to proceed with something they had previously agreed to do. It is often used to describe someone who is having second thoughts or who is uncomfortable with the decision they have made. The figurative meaning of the idiom is that one's feet feel cold, which can be interpreted as a sign of unease or discomfort.
Usage
- John had cold feet about the job offer and decided to turn it down.
- Sarah was nervous about her first marathon and couldn't shake off the feeling of cold feet.
- The team leader had cold feet about their proposal and decided to withdraw it at the last minute.
- Tom's parents advised him to have cold feet before making a rash decision.
- Emily had cold feet about telling her boyfriend about her miscarriage. The usage of the idiom "cold feet" can vary depending on the context. For example, it can be used in a more casual setting or in a formal one. It can also be used to describe different types of situations such as personal decisions, work-related ones or relationships.
Roots and History
The origin of the idiom is not entirely clear, but there are several theories about its meaning. One theory suggests that it comes from the practice of placing one's feet in cold water before a wedding to make them numb and prevent any regrets. Another theory suggests that it comes from the medieval practice of asking for someone's "feet" when seeking consent or permission to do something. If they said no, it was like saying "cold feet". Another theory suggests that it comes from the old English phrase "cold foote" which meant "to be frightened or anxious".
Synonyms in English
- Jitters
- Nerves
- Anxiety
- Fear
- Apprehension
Synonyms in other languages
- Español - "piedras frías" (feet feeling cold) or "peligrosidad" (fear)
- Français - "courbats" (feet cramps) or "peur" (fear)
- German - "Kaltfüße" (feet feeling cold) or "Angst" (anxiety)
- Italian - "gabbata" (nerves) or "paura" (fear)
- Japanese - "kanashii" (anxious) or "yūgen" (mysteriously fearful)