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.

But the parent started to "get cold feet" as the process went on when they realised how life-changing this role would be.

From BBC • May 31, 2025

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

I’m advised that at this stage of my life, I should put together a will, but I just get cold feet.

From Slate • Jan. 17, 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

I didn't get cold feet either, until the concert is all over and the folks begun swarmin' around the stage to pass over the hot-air congratulations.

From Torchy, Private Sec. by Lincoln, F. Foster

get cold feet

Example Sentences

Related Words