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cold feet

noun

Informal.

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

cold feet

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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First recorded in 1890–95

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Examples have not been reviewed.

But the parent started to "get cold feet" as the process went on when they realised how life-changing this role would be.

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The financial sector appears to be getting cold feet about efforts to curb the effects of climate change.

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

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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.

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

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