Cold feet
| Li: | Hi Rob. How are you today? |
| Rob: | Hello Li. I'm really angry. |
| Li: | Why? |
| Rob: | Well, because I work very hard, I get results, I do much more than I really should, and nobody notices—I don't get any recognition. |
| Li: | Yes, you do work hard, Rob. You should earn a fortune! |
| Rob: | I know. You see—that's it! I'm going to go and see the boss right now! I am going to ask for a pay rise! |
| Li: | Good on you, Rob. Right now? |
| Rob: | Yes, right now! |
| Li: | Rob ... you're not going anywhere? |
| Rob: | Yes, I know. |
| Li: | So what are you waiting for? |
| Rob: | Well, actually, I'm getting cold feet. |
| Li: | That's no problem at all. Let's see ... I have a solution right here ... There you go. Take these. |
| Rob: | Thick, woolly socks? |
| Li: | Yes. You should feel warm when talking to a tough boss like ours! Come on, use these. |
| Rob: | It's OK. There's nothing wrong with my feet, Li. In English, when we say we've got cold feet we mean we lack the confidence or courage to do something. |
| Li: | So you're afraid of going into our boss's office. |
| Rob: | Yes, I must admit I am a bit. Let's hear some examples of how to use today's expression 'cold feet', in The English We Speak. |
| Mary knew Tony had bought her engagement ring and was planning to propose on Valentine's Day. She just hoped he wouldn't get cold feet before then. | |
| The company directors were getting cold feet about a deal which could make or break their business. | |
| Rob: | So, no need for these socks. But thank you anyway, Li. |
| Li: | Maybe next week you can approach the boss and remind him what a good worker you are. |
| Rob: | Good idea. Maybe that's the right way to do it. |
| Li: | One thing is true: your cold feet saved you from your hot head. |
| Rob: | Yes indeed. |
| Li: | Bye bye. |
| Rob: | Bye. |