Word: cold feet (idiom)

Associations

"Cold feet" means to feel nervous or scared about something, especially just before doing it. It's often used when someone is unsure about a big decision or event.

• Example 1: "She got cold feet before her wedding." (This means she felt nervous just before getting married.)
• Example 2: "He had cold feet about moving to a new city." (This means he felt scared about the idea of moving.)
• Example 3: "They got cold feet and canceled the trip." (This means they felt uncertain and decided not to go on the trip.)

A well-known synonym for "cold feet" is "having second thoughts." The main difference is that "cold feet" usually refers to a sudden feeling of fear right before an event, while "second thoughts" can happen earlier in the decision-making process.

Substitution

Instead of "cold feet," you could use:

• "nervousness" (more general feeling of anxiety)
• "doubt" (questioning whether to go through with something)
• "hesitation" (pausing before making a decision)

Using these words can change the meaning slightly. For example, "nervousness" refers to a feeling, while "hesitation" suggests a pause in action.

Deconstruction

The phrase "cold feet" comes from the idea that when someone is scared or anxious, their feet feel cold.

• "Cold" refers to low temperature, which can be a sign of fear.
• "Feet" are the body parts that can feel this way.

This phrase has been used in English since the early 20th century, and it is often used in informal conversation.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a time when you felt "cold feet" about something? What was it?
• How do you usually deal with feelings of nervousness or fear?
• In what situations do you think people are most likely to experience "cold feet"?