Cold feet

[missmooncat]

Does anyone know where the phrase Cold Feet came from?

[Buenchico]

I can't guarantee that this is the correct answer but I've always associated the phrase 'to get cold feet' with someone wanting to go swimming in the sea. It seems a good idea until they step into the water. At this point, they get cold feet and think better of it.

Chris

[Buenchico]

This website, however, attributes military connotations to the phrase:
http://www.invincible1758.co.uk/phrases_sayings.htm#cold feet

This site repeats the military connection as one possible derivation but also suggests that the phrase may be related to poor people being unable to afford shoes:
http://www.word-detective.com/091801.html

(I still like my idea best - even though it's obviously wrong!).

Chris

[missmooncat]

thanks-interesting sites put them in my faves-thanks

[THE Katy]

I always thought a person got 'cold feet' at the thought of something scary, simply meant that they had a phenomenon where the soles of their feet went cold and clammy. I have always thought this simply because it happens to me! When I see a person on TV leap off a cliff or something, or I watch the kids on roller coasters, the soles of my feet suddenly go cold.