quake in one's shoes
Shake with dread
To quake in one's shoes is to tremble with fear or anxiety, especially about an impending confrontation or consequence.
The image is of someone so frightened their legs shake: The new recruits were quaking in their shoes before the drill sergeant arrived.
Sometimes appears as shake in one's boots.
- shake like a leafTremble visibly from fear
- shaking in one's bootsExtremely frightened
- tremblingInvoluntary shaking motion
- weak in the kneesOverwhelmed to unsteadiness
- sweatingMoisture through pores
knocking knees · scared stiff · dread · on edge · panic · trepidation · fright · apprehension · butterflies in stomach · heart pounding · terror · white as a sheet · chills · anxiety · goosebumps · worry · public speaking · dry mouth
quake in one's shoeskeep one's cool
Maintain emotional control
stay calm · keep a stiff upper lip · keep one's head · be fearless · stand firm
quake in one's shoesstand tall
Maintain dignity under pressure
be fearless · stand one's ground · hold one's ground · be brave · face the music
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