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.

Related

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

Opposites
emotional state under pressure

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

courage vs. cowardice

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

Family

quake, shoe, quaked, quaking, quakes, shoes, shoeing, earthquake, earthquakes

Familiarity
Top 200,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated G