臨陣退縮 [临阵－缩]

Jyutping lam4 zan6 teoi3 suk1
Pinyin lín zhèn tuì suō

Definitions (CC-CEDICT)
  1. to shrink back as the time for battle approaches (idiom)
  2. to get cold feet
Examples (粵典–words.hk)
  1. Cantonese
    作为元帅，我点可以临阵退缩。
    作為元帥，我點可以臨陣退縮。
    • As the general, how can I run from a fight?
  2. Cantonese
    临阵退缩
    臨陣退縮
    lam4 zan6 teoi3 suk1
    • to shrink back/sneak away at a critical juncture; literally: to retreat just before going into a battle