bottle it

bottle it

To lose one's nerve, courage, or resolve to undertake something. Primarily heard in UK. I wanted to ask Steve on a date, but I bottled it at the last minute.
See also: bottle
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

ˈbottle it

(British English, informal) not do something, or not finish something, because you are frightened: Why should we take a risk when everybody else is bottling it?
See also: bottle
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • bottle out
  • lose (one's) bottle
  • go in with good cards
  • have nothing to do
  • a whack at (something)
  • set (someone or something) to work (on something)
  • have your heart in
  • have (one's) heart in (something)
  • put (one's) hand to (something)
  • bring sand to the beach
References in periodicals archive
At [pounds sterling]2 a bottle it's a complete steal that you must try at least once.
M2 EQUITYBITES-March 21, 2018-Cannabis Science Acquires Bottle It to Solidify Manufacturing Capabilities
At PS13.95 for a 50cl bottle it's dearer than a good late Bottle Vintage Port, but I think it's worth every penny and not just because it's rare.
It's funny, I start off a really good wrapper but by the end of the bottle it's not quite so delicate.
It's not the purest tasting pinot noir but there's plenty of flavour and at PS5 a bottle it's good value.
No wait, it is bottled, it's just draught you get bottled in the offie in you very own bottle, though it's not a bottle it's a growler.
In a handbag size bottle it's perfect for girls on the go or to freshen up hair when going from work to play.
The reply was, sorry I can't give you the bottle it's health and safety.
A little goes a long way so at around pounds 15 a bottle it's still great value for a concentrated and complex mesh of peach, orange and lime held together by a seam of acidity.
Didn't care for the tell-tale 'false tan 'smell of this but the lotion was silky smooth and because of its pump action bottle it's easy to apply.
At pounds 17.95 a bottle it's a must have for summer fun.
Some teens think that if a pill comes in a prescription bottle it's safe to take--for anyone at any time.
At pounds 1.89 for a curvy green glass bottle it's not cheap, but the elderflowers are handpicked - so it says on the label.
Wines from these innovators and several from Napa are equal to the best in the world but with prices ranging form pounds 8 to pounds 20 plus a bottle it's a question of whether we are able or prepared to pay for the experience.
At PS6.98 a bottle it should appeal to lovers of delicate whites.