IdiomAnimalsEstonian

Jänes püksis

Meaning: To be a coward; to get cold feet.

Literally: A hare in the trousers

Example: “Enne esinemist oli tal jänes püksis.” — Before the performance he got cold feet.

English equivalent: Cold feet

Origin: The hare is the classic coward of Estonian and European fable, and having a hare in one's trousers is being scared. The phrase is said of losing one's nerve at the decisive moment. No particular story lies behind it.

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