Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

quake-in-your-boots

idiom
/kweɪk ɪn jɔːr bʊts/
Definition
To be extremely frightened or nervous about something.
Examples
  • When he heard the news about the unexpected exam, he started to quake in his boots.
  • She was quaking in her boots before going on stage to perform.
  • After watching that horror movie, he was quaking in his boots at every little noise.
Meaning
This phrase illustrates a strong feeling of fear or anxiety, often to the point where a person feels physically affected by their fear.
Synonyms
  • tremble with fear
  • be scared stiff
  • be terrified