Cold feet

Cold feet is apprehension or doubt strong enough to prevent a planned course of action.[1]

The origin of the term itself has been attributed to American author Stephen Crane, who added the phrase, in 1896, to the second edition of his short novel, Maggie: A Girl of the Streets.[2]

The behaviour may be modelled as a tension between temptation and self control. If pessimism increases as the point of no return approaches then the individual may balk and refuse to proceed.[3] If they proceed regardless then buyer's remorse is the similar feeling experienced after the event.

Taking a bold decision rather than suffering indecision or cold feet is known as crossing the Rubicon.

Marriage

A common use of the phrase is when people fear the commitment of marriage and get cold feet before a wedding ceremony.[4]

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