have cold feet vs having cold feet

Both 'have cold feet' and 'having cold feet' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Have cold feet' is the more common and idiomatic expression, used to describe feeling nervous or hesitant about something. 'Having cold feet' can be used in a more literal sense to describe the physical sensation of cold feet.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 640 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe feeling nervous or hesitant about something.

"have cold feet"

This phrase is used to express a feeling of nervousness or hesitation about a particular situation or decision.

Examples:

I was supposed to give a speech, but I have cold feet now.
She had cold feet about moving to a new city.
Don't have cold feet about asking for help when you need it.
He always has cold feet before making big decisions.
Having cold feet is normal before taking a big step.

Show examples from the web [+]

S.A.R.A.H., you can't have cold feet.
It means they have cold feet.
And maybe I don't have cold feet
Listen, Bones doesn't have cold feet, all right?
Because you both have cold feet and it'll give you both more time to back out?
First of all, I have noticed that people have cold feet about laying down specific, let alone European, objectives and benchmarks.
You know, what if you have cold feet about marrying me?
I'd trade what I have for cold feet any day.
A couple of the Panamanians might have gotten cold feet.
I was sat there for almost an hour, thinking she must have gotten cold feet.
I have very cold feet, so I do that for her pleasure.
People have got cold feet: it all seems to be too difficult.
Parliament has now made it clear that we in Europe must persist with this action, even though the rest of the world may, for the time being, be holding back because they have got cold feet.
In ECOFIN, the finance ministers have once again got cold feet.
Members of the Socialist and Green Groups have unfortunately got cold feet and cannot see the enormous opportunities that this directive will offer for new businesses and jobs.
I HAVEN'T HAD COLD FEET SINCE I LIVED HERE.
Indeed, we were used to being on the front line for the European project, but ever since the negative referendum in the Netherlands, I get the impression that the Dutch leaders, where Europe is concerned, have been suffering from cold feet to some extent.
- If you are getting cold feet...
- Jim's got cold feet.
- Jim's got cold feet.

Alternatives:

getting cold feet
feeling nervous
hesitating
having second thoughts
backing out

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in English. It can be used to describe the physical sensation of cold feet.

"having cold feet"

This phrase can be used to describe the literal sensation of cold feet, such as when someone's feet are physically cold.

Examples:

I'm having cold feet because I forgot to wear socks in this weather.
She's having cold feet because she stood in the snow for too long.
Having cold feet is uncomfortable in winter.
He's having cold feet after walking in the rain.
My feet are always having cold feet in the winter.

Show examples from the web [+]

No, you're just having cold feet.
If you're having cold feet, I think that -
I don't even know what happened, and I don't know if it's, like, these huge issues or if we're just having cold feet.
I don't even know what happened, and I don't know if it's, like, these huge issues or if we're just having cold feet.
In a word, I think the directive could be tightened up, and this has nothing to do with having cold feet, but reflects the fact that a free market has to be regulated and liberalisation needs to be carefully prepared.

Alternatives:

feeling cold in the feet
experiencing cold feet
having chilly feet
suffering from cold feet
feeling the cold in my feet

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have cold feet vs having cold feet

"have cold feet"

"having cold feet"

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