“Get cold Feet”: Meaning, Examples and Sentences

Elaboration and Examples:

The idiom “get cold feet” is used to describe someone who suddenly becomes nervous, hesitant or uncertain about a planned course of action, particularly in situations where a decision or commitment has been made. The phrase implies a sudden lack of enthusiasm or resolve to proceed with something previously agreed upon or planned.

The origin of the phrase is unclear, but it is thought to date back to the 19th century when it was associated with physical discomfort and a sense of unease. It is said that the phrase may have been popularized during World War I, where soldiers often suffered from cold feet due to exposure to the elements.

Here are a few examples of how the phrase can be used:

1. He had been planning to propose to his girlfriend for weeks, but on the day of the proposal, he suddenly got cold feet and called it off.

In this example, the phrase is used to describe the sudden hesitancy or nervousness that the man experiences, causing him to cancel his plans to propose.

2. She had been excited about starting her new job, but on the day of her first shift, she got cold feet and considered backing out.

In this example, the phrase is used to describe the sudden uncertainty or nervousness that the woman experiences about starting her new job.

Overall, the idiom is used to describe a sudden change of heart, particularly in situations where a decision or commitment has been made. The phrase’s origins in physical discomfort and unease add to its connotations of nervousness, hesitation, and uncertainty.

Sentences on “Get cold Feet”