Question

Choose the exact meaning of an idiom or phrase.
To have cold feet.

a. To feel very cold
b. To pay attention to
c. To be reluctant
d. To pour water on something

Answer 1

Hint: The group of words or phrases that represent a meaning from their meaning are termed as idioms.

Complete answer:
The idiom ‘to have cold feet’ means to get frightened from doing something. It is usually used to denote nervousness and hesitation. For example, Rama used to have cold feet whenever she was asked to perform on the stage.

After understanding the meaning of the phrase, let us analyze each option.

> From the hint, it is clear that idioms do not represent the literal meaning of the words. Since option A gives the literal meaning of the phrase, therefore, option A is incorrect.

> According to option B, ‘to have cold feet’ would mean to pay attention to something. But this is opposite to the meaning given above. To have cold feet represents a nervous or frightened state of an individual and not attentive state. Therefore, this option will be incorrect.

> According to option C, the phrase means to be reluctant. We have seen that the idiom means to be hesitant, nervous and fearful. Since this is similar in meaning to what option C states, therefore, option C can be the correct answer.

> The phrase to have cold feet does not represent any pouring of water neither literally or metaphorically. Therefore, option D is also an incorrect option.

Thus, the correct answer is option C.

Note: Some amount of creative thinking is required to determine the varied meanings that an idiom can have.