Tag Archives: nervousness

Idiom of the day

Get cold feet

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Meaning: This idiom is used to describe experiencing sudden nervousness, hesitation, or fear, especially before carrying out a planned action or undertaking a significant decision. It implies feeling apprehensive or doubtful about proceeding with something that was previously agreed upon or planned.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “He was all set to propose, but he got cold feet at the last moment and backed out.”
  2. “They were excited about starting their own business, but they got cold feet when they realized the risks involved.”
  3. “She had been looking forward to the trip, but she got cold feet when she saw the storm approaching.”

Origin: The origin of the idiom “get cold feet” is uncertain, but it likely originated from literal sensations of coldness in the feet being associated with fear or anxiety. Over time, the phrase evolved into a metaphorical expression used to describe feelings of nervousness or hesitation before taking action. It emphasizes the sudden onset of doubt or apprehension that may cause someone to reconsider or back out of a planned course of action.

Get cold feet
Idiom of the day

Get butterflies in your stomach

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Meaning: This idiom is used to describe the sensation of nervousness, excitement, or anxiety that one feels in their stomach, often in anticipation of a significant event or experience. It implies experiencing fluttering or a queasy feeling in the stomach due to nervousness or excitement.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “Before going on stage, I always get butterflies in my stomach.”
  2. “She got butterflies in her stomach before going on her first date with him.”
  3. “Even though she had prepared extensively for the interview, she still got butterflies in her stomach as the interview approached.”

Origin: The origin of the idiom “get butterflies in your stomach” is uncertain, but it likely stems from the sensation of fluttering or nervousness that one may feel in their stomach before or during a stressful or exciting event. The phrase has been in common usage since at least the early 20th century and is commonly used to describe the physical sensation of nervousness or excitement in the stomach. It emphasizes the physiological response to emotions such as anxiety or anticipation.

Get butterflies in your stomach
Idiom of the day

Ants in your pants

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Meaning: This idiom is used to describe someone who is restless, fidgety, or unable to sit still. It implies a feeling of agitation, nervousness, or impatience, often manifesting as constant movement or squirming.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “She couldn’t focus during the meeting; she had ants in her pants the entire time.”
  2. “The children had ants in their pants on the long car ride; they kept asking ‘Are we there yet?'”
  3. “I can’t sit still when I’m anxious; I always feel like I have ants in my pants.”

Origin: The origin of the idiom “ants in your pants” is uncertain, but it likely originates from the imagery of feeling uncomfortable or itchy due to imaginary ants crawling inside one’s clothing, leading to squirming or fidgeting. The phrase has been used colloquially since at least the mid-20th century to describe restlessness or nervousness. It is often used in a playful or lighthearted manner to describe someone who is energetic or enthusiastic but unable to remain still.