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.

It may well get cold feet and remove the line item before the bill makes it to a vote.

From Slate • May 9, 2026

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

Newey has come close to joining Ferrari at least twice, only to get cold feet at the key moment.

From BBC • Feb. 8, 2024

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

From Seattle Times • Feb. 6, 2023

You're the right sort keep it up and don't get cold feet.

From Deer Godchild by Bernard, Marguerite