get the shakes



get the shakes

To tremble or shake involuntarily, as due to fear, unease, anxiety, or a reaction to (or withdrawal from) a substance, such as caffeine, drugs, or alcohol. I've been doing public speaking for ten years, but I still get the shakes before going out in front of a large audience. I'm trying to get sober and haven't had a drink in four days, but I've been getting the shakes something fierce.
See also: get, shake

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Lilach-Hebrew
Seth[seθ]
SammieSAM-eeEnglish
Alvera[æl'viərə]
Rearden-Irish
Anuj-Indian, Hindi, Marathi