Crossword Genius

Loss of confidence resulting from former charge in court (4,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

cold feet

'loss of confidence' is the definition.
(getting cold feet means getting doubtful)

'former charge in court' is the wordplay.
'former' becomes 'old' (both can mean previous).
'charge' becomes 'fee' (fee is a kind of charge).
'in' is an insertion indicator.
'court' becomes 'ct' (abbreviation used in road names).
'old'+'fee'='oldfee'
'oldfee' put within 'ct' is 'COLD FEET'.

'resulting from' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for cold feet that I've seen before include "Informal fear - lacking warm socks?" , "Loss of courage or confidence" , "Feeling of fear - in lower extremities?" , "Lack of courage or confidence" , "You might have them if you're afraid to proceed" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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