Let’s explore the saying ‘get cold feet’ together, understanding its meaning, origins, and real-life examples.
Meaning of the Idiom
The idiom ‘get cold feet’ is a figurative expression used to describe a sudden loss of courage or confidence, especially when facing a challenging or daunting situation. It implies hesitancy or reluctance to proceed with a planned action, often due to fear or apprehension about the potential consequences.
Origin of the Idiom
The origin of the phrase ‘get cold feet’ is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the early 20th century, possibly from theatrical slang. Actors experiencing stage fright or nervousness before a performance may have described their condition as having ‘cold feet,’ likening the sensation to a sudden chill or lack of warmth and confidence in their ability to perform.
10 Idiom Examples in Everyday Situations
1. “On the morning of his wedding, John started to ‘get cold feet’ and began doubting whether he was ready for such a commitment.”
2. “Before the bungee jump, Sarah felt her nerves kick in, causing her to ‘get cold feet’ and reconsider the dare.”
3. “As the deadline approached, Tom began to ‘get cold feet’ about submitting his resignation letter, fearing the uncertainty of a new job.”
4. “Despite months of training, the athlete started to ‘get cold feet’ on the day of the marathon, doubting his ability to finish the race.”
5. “Before boarding the plane, Emma began to ‘get cold feet’ about traveling alone for the first time, worrying about the unfamiliarity of the destination.”
6. “On the eve of the job interview, Peter started to ‘get cold feet,’ second-guessing his qualifications and suitability for the position.”
7. “As the investors gathered for the pitch, the entrepreneur couldn’t help but ‘get cold feet,’ wondering if his business idea was truly viable.”
8. “Despite months of planning, the couple began to ‘get cold feet’ about buying their first home, worrying about the financial commitment.”
9. “Before proposing, James started to ‘get cold feet,’ anxious about the uncertainty of his partner’s response.”
10. “As the surgery date approached, the patient began to ‘get cold feet,’ fearing the risks and potential complications of the procedure.”
10 Quotes Featuring the Idiom
1. “In moments of doubt, it’s natural to ‘get cold feet,’ but true courage lies in pushing forward despite the fear.” – Unknown
2. “The phrase ‘get cold feet’ reminds us that fear is a natural response to the unknown, but it should never dictate our actions.” – Unknown
3. “‘Get cold feet’ is a reminder that even the bravest souls experience moments of hesitation and uncertainty.” – Unknown
4. “When faced with challenges, it’s easy to ‘get cold feet,’ but perseverance is key to overcoming obstacles.” – Unknown
5. “The phrase ‘get cold feet’ serves as a reminder that it’s okay to feel afraid, but we mustn’t let fear paralyze us.” – Unknown
6. “‘Get cold feet’ is a temporary state; true courage is finding the strength to move forward despite the fear.” – Unknown
7. “When uncertainty creeps in, it’s easy to ‘get cold feet,’ but it’s important to trust in our abilities and press on.” – Unknown
8. “‘Get cold feet’ is a reminder that courage is not the absence of fear but the willingness to act in spite of it.” – Unknown
9. “In moments of doubt, remember that it’s okay to ‘get cold feet,’ but true growth comes from facing our fears head-on.” – Unknown
10. “‘Get cold feet’ is a reminder that bravery is not the absence of fear but the decision to move forward in spite of it.” – Unknown
Idioms Starting From Letter G
Each and every letter of the English alphabet has hundreds of idioms. As in this post, we are talking about the idiom beginning with the letter G. There are many other idioms that also start with the ‘G’, which can be useful to you. We have gathered all the G-starting idiomatic expressions on a single page to make it easy for you to find the best and most useful idioms starting with the letter G.
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