a case of the collywobbles

informal "Collywobbles" is thought to be an alteration of "cholera morbus," a gastrointestinal illness.

1. An instance of stomach upset, as owing to nausea, cramps, diarrhea, etc. Mara's been in the bathroom an awfully long time. I hope she doesn't have a case of the collywobbles. Well, I came down with a case of the collywobbles after dinner, so how do you think the date went? Sorry to cancel our lunch plans, but I've just got a case of the collywobbles today.

2. A feeling of intense nervousness or anxiety. I really had a case of the collywobbles waiting for the doctor to call with my test results. I'm so relieved they came back negative. You're on your own, buddy—haunted houses give me a case of the collywobbles. Janine is so relieved to have passed her driver's test—she really had a case of the collywobbles beforehand.