The phrase "haddest cold feet" is spelled using the traditional English orthography. The IPA phonetic transcription would be /ˈhædɪst kəʊld fiːt/. "Haddest" is the second person singular past tense of "have," an irregular verb meaning "to possess." "Cold" refers to a low temperature, while "feet" are the body parts used for walking. The phrase "cold feet" is idiomatic and can mean feeling anxious or hesitant before doing something. The spelling of this phrase has remained unchanged for many years despite the evolution of the English language.
"Having cold feet" is a common idiomatic expression that means feeling nervous, hesitant, or lacking confidence about a decision or a forthcoming event. When someone says they "have cold feet," it implies that they are experiencing anxiety, apprehension, or second thoughts about proceeding with a planned action or commitment.
On the other hand, the phrase "haddest cold feet" pairs the idiom "had cold feet" with the use of the Shakespearean word "haddest," which is the second person singular past tense of "have." This usage suggests an even stronger indication of past hesitation or uncertainty than is conveyed with the modern-day phrase alone.
Thus, "haddest cold feet" can be understood as an extension of the idiomatic expression, emphasizing a historical context or a more profound magnitude of nervousness or doubt. It suggests that the individual experienced a particularly intense or notable bout of anxiety or unease in the past.
This phrase can be applied to a wide range of situations such as backing out of a commitment, canceling a planned event, or reconsidering a major decision due to overwhelming fear or concerns. Overall, "haddest cold feet" signifies a previous instance where a person experienced significant trepidation or doubt before taking action or fulfilling a particular obligation.