expression, ichidan verb
get cold feet; chicken out; lose one's nerve
Idiomatic expression meaning to suddenly become scared or lose courage, often when facing a challenge. The image is of being blown by a 'cowardice wind'.
本番前に臆病風に吹かれて、何もできなかった。
I got cold feet before the performance and couldn't do anything.
彼は臆病風に吹かれて、告白できなかった。
He chickened out and couldn't confess his feelings.