T-learning # Idiom
Speak Like a Native

to have cold feet

Choose the correct definition a, b or c.

a) to become nervous

Well done ! That’s the right answer.

to have cold feet’ or to get cold feet means to become very frightened or nervous about something you had planned to do, especially if it is something very important, e.g. a wedding.

French translation

avoir peur, être nerveux, commencer à avoir la frousse

How NOT to translate : *avoir les pieds froids

...................................................

Examples in context

Charlie Hunnam ’got cold feet’ over Fifty Shades of Grey

Charlie Hunnam walked away from a high profile role as suave billionaire Christian in Sam Taylor Johnson’s much-hyped Fifty Shades of Grey movie after developing cold feet due to overwhelming attention from fans, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

The Guardian, 14th Oct. 2013

............

‘Brand Nigella : Will court case affect her career ?’

Public support for Lawson remained strong throughout the court case, with the #TeamNigella hashtag trending on Twitter and even briefly adopted by Lawson herself.
David Cameron was just one of the famous faces to declare themselves firmly in her camp - much to the dismay of the judge, who ordered the jury to disregard the Prime Minister’s comments.

And there are no signs that sponsors and publishers are getting cold feet.
Channel 4 has confirmed Lawson’s new 10-part series The Taste UK will air in early 2014, as planned. A spin-off of hit US cookery show The Taste, it features Lawson and fellow judges, American chef Anthony Bourdain and French chef Ludo Lefebvre.

BBC News, 20 December 2013

...................................................

Everyday usage

They are getting married next week – that’s if he doesn’t get cold feet !

I am really nervous about my theatre performance. I think I have cold feet.

b) to become wishful

Sorry, wrong answer. Please try again.

c) to be freezing

Sorry, wrong answer. Please try again.


Missed last week’s phrase ? Catch up here