临阵退缩

lín zhèn tuì suō◆idiom

to get cold feet

比赛前一天，他突然临阵退缩，不敢上场了。

The day before the competition, he suddenly got cold feet and didn't dare to take the stage.

◆ What It Really Means

To lose courage and back out at the last moment when faced with a challenging or high-stakes situation, often after having prepared or committed to it.

¶ Literal Meaning

To retreat from the battlefield at the last moment.

Literal Breakdown

临阵standing at the battlefront+退缩to shrink back or retreat

◇ Mental Image

Imagine a soldier standing at the front lines of a battle, but when the fighting starts, they suddenly step back, unable to face the danger. The idiom evokes the image of physical retreat due to fear.

◈ When to Use

A student who has practiced for months suddenly refuses to take an important exam, a manager who promised to lead a project backs out when deadlines approach, or an athlete who trained hard avoids competing in the final match.

◉ Cultural Note

This idiom reflects the Confucian value of courage and perseverance in the face of adversity, which has been emphasized in Chinese culture for centuries. It is often used in literature and proverbs to highlight the importance of steadfastness.

formal

To hesitate or back out at the last moment due to fear or lack of confidence, especially when faced with a critical situation.

面对重要的演讲，他临阵退缩，不敢开口了。

Facing the important speech, he got cold feet and couldn't bring himself to speak.

很多员工在加班前临阵退缩，因为他们害怕失去工作与生活的平衡。

Many employees chicken out of overtime work because they fear losing their work-life balance.

Often used to describe cowardly behavior in challenging situations, particularly when one has prepared or committed to something.

Collocations

临阵退缩的表现display of getting cold feet临阵退缩的人someone who chickens out

Synonyms

临阵脱逃畏缩不前望而却步

Antonyms

勇往直前临危不惧奋勇向前

Related Phrases

临阵磨枪idiom

to sharpen one's spear at the last moment (procrastinate until the last minute)

临危受命idiom

to take up a mission in a critical moment

临阵脱逃idiom

to flee from the battlefield at the last moment

Pro Tip

How to remember

Think of '临阵' as '临近战阵' (approaching the battlefield) and '退缩' as '退后缩手' (retreating and shrinking back). The image of someone physically stepping back when the fight starts helps reinforce the meaning.

Gold Rule

Usage context

Use '临阵退缩' to describe someone who fails to follow through on a commitment due to fear, not for minor hesitations. It implies a sudden and shameful withdrawal.

Word Origin

The idiom originates from the historical practice of soldiers retreating from the battlefield at the last moment. '临阵' (lín zhèn) means 'at the battlefront' or 'when the battle is about to begin,' and '退缩' (tuì suō) means 'to shrink back' or 'to retreat.' Together, they metaphorically describe someone hesitating or withdrawing when faced with a critical moment.

Usage Notes

This idiom is often used in both personal and professional contexts to criticize someone for lacking courage or commitment. It carries a negative connotation, implying irresponsibility or cowardice. Avoid using it in formal or diplomatic contexts where politeness is required.

Word Breakdown

临阵

at the critical moment or battlefront

phrase

退缩

to shrink back or retreat

verb

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