bottle it

verb4

1. •
   (informal, slang) To suppress an action or expression, especially when due to lack of courage.
2. •
   (informal, slang) To lose one's nerve.
3. •
   (informal, slang) To run away, especially when due to lack of courage.
4. •
   (informal, slang) To fail in an embarrassing way in a crucial situation, especially due to nerves.

   • If you want to win Wimbledon, you have to be controlled mentally, but he's too volatile. He's just not a level-headed guy out there. He's had many chances and he's always bottled it. — 2024