1.
to hesitate, to have second thoughts, to waver
To be reluctant to proceed or take action, often due to uncertainty, fear, or concern about the consequences.
値段を見て二の足を踏んだ。
I hesitated when I saw the price.
転職したいが、二の足を踏んでいる。
I want to change jobs, but I'm having second thoughts.
リスクが高いので、投資家たちは二の足を踏んでいる。
Due to the high risk, investors are hesitating.
ETYMOLOGY:
Literally 'to step with the second foot,' meaning to take a step and then bring the same foot down again without moving forward - a physical representation of hesitation.
USAGE:
Often used when someone wants to do something but is held back by concerns about cost, risk, difficulty, or other factors.
SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:
- ためらう (to hesitate)
- 躊躇する (to hesitate, more formal)
- 尻込みする (to shrink back, to flinch)