cold feet

plural noun

: apprehension or doubt strong enough to prevent a planned course of action

Examples of cold feet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Five Florida metros—including all of the above—were also among the ones with the biggest year-over-year drops in terms of pending sales, showing that both buyers and homeowners are getting cold feet in the state. Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024 When Jonathan suggests that Morrison move into his apartment, Morrison gets cold feet. Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2024 Darn Tough Socks provide a great solution to avoid cold feet with these comfortable and cozy Merino wool boot socks. Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 2 Oct. 2024 The problem is, though, Ueda might be having cold feet all his own about Japan Inc.’s readiness for tighter monetary policy. William Pesek, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cold feet 

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cold feet was in 1893

Dictionary Entries Near cold feet

Cite this Entry

“Cold feet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cold%20feet. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on cold feet

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!