Meaning
A sudden loss of nerve or confidence right before a major decision or commitment, often severe enough to make someone back out entirely.
It’s most associated with last-minute doubts before weddings, big purchases, or other irreversible choices — the hesitation strikes precisely when it’s almost too late to change course.
Origin
The clearest documented root is German gambling slang, “kalte Füße bekommen” (“to get cold feet”), which described a card player who suddenly quit a game — literally or as a face-saving excuse — once their luck turned. The phrase entered English print via an 1878 translation of a German novel featuring exactly this kind of poker player, and Stephen Crane’s 1896 novel “Maggie: A Girl of the Streets” already uses “they got cold feet” as an established, casual expression. An earlier Italian phrase, “aver freddo ai piedi” from Ben Jonson’s 1605 play “Volpone,” is sometimes cited as a precedent, but it actually meant being broke rather than being afraid, making it a false lead rather than a real ancestor.
Examples
He was about to propose but got cold feet at the last second.
She was ready to sign the contract, then suddenly got cold feet.
Don’t get cold feet now — you’ve prepared for this for months.
A: “Are you still moving to another city?” B: “Honestly, I’m getting cold feet about the whole thing.”
Frequently asked questions
What does 'Cold feet' mean?
A sudden loss of nerve or confidence right before a major decision or commitment, often severe enough to make someone back out entirely.
It’s most associated with last-minute doubts before weddings, big purchases, or other irreversible choices — the hesitation strikes precisely when it’s almost too late to change course.