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
Eusebiusyoo-SEE-bee-əs (English)Ancient Greek (Latinized)
&Aelig;&Eth;Elind-Anglo-Saxon
Medrod-Welsh Mythology, Arthurian Romance
Dania (1)-Italian
LintonLIN-tənEnglish
MiloŠ-Czech, Slovak, Serbian, Slovene, Croatian, Macedonian