二(に)の足(あし)を踏(ふ)む

にのあしをふむ
expression
to hesitate, to have second thoughts
behavior
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(ねだん)を見(み)て二(に)の足(あし)を踏(ふ)んだ。
I hesitated when I saw the price.
転職(てんしょく)したいが、二(に)の足(あし)を踏(ふ)んでいる。
I want to change jobs, but I'm having second thoughts.
リスクが高(たか)いので、投資家(とうしか)たちは二(に)の足(あし)を踏(ふ)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 words

Related Words

Synonym: 躊躇(ためら)う (to hesitate (verb))
Synonym: 躊躇(ちゅうちょ) (hesitation (formal))
Compare: 尻込(しりご)み (to shrink back, to flinch)
general
Added 2026.2.5 11:46 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
10000/10095_ninoashiwofumu