expression, noun
Literal meaning, rarely used outside the idiom 二の足を踏む. In modern Japanese, this sense is mostly encountered in explanations of the idiom.
「二の足を踏む」の「二の足」は、文字通りには二歩目を指す。
In the idiom 二の足を踏む, 二の足 literally means the second step.
expression, noun
Used almost exclusively in the set phrase 二の足を踏む, meaning to hesitate or be unable to make a decision. The phrase evokes the image of taking one step forward and then pausing before the second step.
See also: 二の足を踏む
新しい仕事に応募するかどうか、二の足を踏んでいる。
I'm hesitating about whether to apply for the new job.
彼は高い買い物をするときはいつも二の足を踏む。
He always hesitates when making an expensive purchase.