[shake|tremble] like a leaf
1
(of a person) to involuntarily shake one's body due to feeling nervous, afraid, or cold
The idiom "shake like a leaf" is believed to have originated from the observation of leaves trembling or shaking in response to wind or external stimuli. It is commonly used in various contexts to describe a person's physical response to fear, nervousness, or extreme anxiety. This expression can be used in both formal and informal settings, such as public speaking engagements, job interviews, confronting phobias, experiencing a traumatic event, or being in a state of heightened anticipation.
- He shakes like a leaf every time he has to speak in public.
- She shook like a leaf when she encountered the wild bear in the woods.
- Tomorrow, she will shake like a leaf as she gives her presentation to a large audience.
- If I were to encounter a ghost, I would shake like a leaf.