shake / quake / tremble in one's boots / shoes

/ʃˈeɪk kwˈeɪk tɹˈɛmbəl ɪn wˈɒnz bˈuːts ʃˈuːz/

/ʃˈeɪk kwˈeɪk tɹˈɛmbəl ɪn wˈʌnz bˈuːts ʃˈuːz/

[phrase]

to shake / quake / tremble in one's boots / shoes

[PHRASE]

to shake involuntarily as a response to extreme fear

to [shake|quake|tremble] in {one's} (boots|shoes) definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "tremble in one's boots" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "tremble in one's boots" can be traced back to the idea of physical trembling or shaking as a response to fear or anxiety. The phrase likely emerged as a colorful and exaggerated way to describe someone's intense emotional reaction to a frightening or intimidating situation. It is often employed in informal or colloquial settings, including everyday conversations, storytelling, or informal writing.

Examples

1. The film was so scary I was shaking in my boots.

2. That poor kid is shaking in his shoes up there on stage.

3. The thought of climbing that high had him quaking in his boots.

4. Glaring round at the solitary embryo sheepskin, who quaked in his shoes.

Nearby words