Etymology Journal ยท S
Shaking like a leaf
Meaning
- To tremble uncontrollably due to fear, nervousness, or shock. It describes a visible physical reaction to an intense emotional or cold state.
Descriptive, sympathetic
Used in a sentence
- She was shaking like a leaf right before her big presentation.
- After that fender bender, the poor guy was shaking like a leaf.
- I was shaking like a leaf when I walked onto the stage.
The backstory
This is a simple simile comparing human trembling to the way leaves flutter in the wind. It has been used for centuries to describe high anxiety.
Heard in
Nationwide
Vibe check