get/have the jitters

get the jitters

To experience a temporary state of nervous anxiety or anticipation. A: "Are you ready to deliver your speech?" B: "Yeah. I've got a bad case of the jitters, though!" Ugh, I get the jitters just thinking about having to play in front of all those people. I don't understand how you don't get the jitters with public speaking. I would be shaking the whole time I was on stage!

See also: get, jitter

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

get/have the ˈjitters

(informal) feel anxious and nervous, especially before an important event or before having to do something difficult: I always get the jitters before exams. ♢ Louise had the pre-wedding jitters so badly she nearly didn’t make it to the church.

See also: get, have, jitter

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017