二にの足あしを踏ふむ

expression, godan verb (-mu)

hesitate; think twice; get cold feet

Idiomatic expression meaning to hesitate or be unable to take the next step, often due to anxiety or doubt. The image is of being stuck on one's second step, unable to move forward.

• 高たかい買かい物ものなので、二にの足あしを踏ふんでいる。

  Since it's an expensive purchase, I'm hesitating.

• 彼かれは新あたらしい仕し事ごとに応おう募ぼするかどうか、二にの足あしを踏ふんでいる。

  He's thinking twice about whether to apply for the new job.