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The gears are turning
The phrase the gears are turning means someone is thinking carefully or trying to solve a problem. People often use it when a person becomes quiet or thoughtful while working something out.The expression comes from machines with gears that move together to make something work. In the idiom, the moving gears are compared to the mind working through ideas.
He stared at the puzzle for a moment, and you could almost see the gears turning.
To get cold feet
The idiom cold feet means sudden fear or doubt before doing something important. It is a way of describing last minute hesitation.This idiom has been in use since the 1600s and its exact origin is unclear.
He got cold feet before the wedding.
To give the green light
To give the green light means you are giving permission for something to happen. It usually means a person in authority is approving something.This idiom draws from traffic lights.
Our manager gave the green light for our new marketing campaign.