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.
But given that Severance was the overall nomination leader with 27 nods, a loss in Outstanding Drama Series gives the impression that voters got cold feet about naming it TV’s top drama. Joe Reid, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2025 This was created after noticing that some new hires didn’t show up on their start date due to cold feet, second thoughts, or feeling another offer was safer. Roula Amire, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2025 So don’t get cold feet now, coach. Troy Renck, Denver Post, 6 Sep. 2025 Usually, buyers get cold feet because their financial situations change. Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cold feet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cold%20feet. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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!