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Definitions

get cold feet

VERB
back out
Synonyms
STRONGEST
back down cancel give up renege surrender
WEAK
avoid back pedal beg off blow it off chicken out cop out go back on recant resign scratch shy from throw in the towel weasel out wiggle out worm out
VERB
chicken out
Synonyms
WEAK
avoid back down back out back pedal beg off blow it off bow out cancel cop out funk out give up give way go back on have no stomach for make concessions pull out recant renege resign scratch shy from surrender throw in the towel turn yellow weasel out wiggle out wimp out withdraw worm out yield

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 23, 2024

Or, “the boss is going to be very angry with you” once Pecker started to get cold feet about taking part in the hush money schemes.

From Slate • Apr. 26, 2024

The result: some deals fall through as buyers get cold feet.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 6, 2023

Right now, doughty retail investors are looking like the most likely source of relief, as institutional players get cold feet in the midst of a macro maelstrom.

From Reuters • Aug. 30, 2022

"You're not going to get cold feet, are you, Mr. Darrin?" laughed Lieutenant-Commander Parker.

From Dave Darrin's Fourth Year at Annapolis by Hancock, H. Irving (Harrie Irving)