# quake in one's boots

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/quake-in-ones-boots
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To be very frightened, scared, or nervous.

## Examples

- The small dog made the cat quake in its boots.
- When the boss called me into his office for an unexpected meeting, I was quaking in my boots.
- Facing the stern judge after his serious mistake, the young lawyer stood before the bench and began to quake in his boots.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.