Weak in the knees

Meaning

The idiom "weak in the knees" means to feel nervous, anxious, or uncertain about something. It can also mean being physically weak or feeble. The phrase has a figurative meaning that is commonly understood as an emotional state, rather than a physical one.

Usage

• I was weak in the knees before my first job interview.
• After hearing the news, I felt weak in the knees and couldn't stop crying.
• She was so nervous before the big concert that she was weak in the knees.
• The sight of the clown made me feel weak in the knees.
• He was weak in the knees when he asked for her number. The usage of this idiom can vary depending on the context. For example, it can be used to describe someone who is feeling nervous or anxious before a big event or task, or someone who is physically weak or feeble due to illness or injury.

Roots and History

The phrase "weak in the knees" dates back to the 16th century, when it was first used in print by William Shakespeare in his play "Julius Caesar". However, the idiom's meaning has evolved over time to include both physical weakness and emotional states.

Synonyms in English

• Nervous
• Anxious
• Uncertain
• Timid
• Shy

Synonyms in other languages

• French: "Nervieux"
• Spanish: "Ansioso/a"
• German: "Angstlich"
• Italian: "Timido/a"

Similar Idioms

• way forward

• Achilles heel

• grit one’s teeth