in fear and trembling
Experiencing great fear and worry. Carrie's been in fear and trembling waiting for the doctor to call with her test results. After hearing his enemy's threats, Tom was obviously in fear and trembling. The witness is in fear and trembling, and I think she's got good reason to be. I want a security detail on her at all times.
in fear and trembling of (someone or something)
Experiencing great fear and worry because of someone or something. Carrie's been in fear and trembling of the doctor calling with her test results. Tom was obviously in fear and trembling of his enemy after hearing those threats. The witness is in fear and trembling of the mob, and I want a security detail on her at all times.
tremble at (something)
To feel profound excitement, anticipation, anxiety, or fear from the thought of some action or thing. You'll never get anywhere in business if you tremble at the idea of doing something risky. We all trembled at the thought of having that much money at our disposal.
tremble from (something)
To shake as the result of some powerful, concussive force. The tables all trembled from the passing train. Every buildings within a five-mile radius trembled from the explosion.
tremble with (something)
To experience some intense emotion or condition, such as excitement, anticipation, anxiety, or fear, that causes one to shake or feel giddy. The children trembled with fear as the bear approached them in the woods. I trembled with excitement at the thought of having my own car.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
in fear and trembling
Cliché with anxiety or fear; with dread. In fear and trembling, I went into the room to take the test. The witness left the courtroom in fear and trembling.
tremble at something
to shake with fear or anticipation at the thought of something. David trembled at the thought of having to go to Russia by himself. Carl trembled at the idea of winning first place.
tremble from something
to shake or vibrate in response to something like an explosion or an earthquake. The house trembled from the blast. I could feel the bridge trembling from the minor earthquake that I was hearing about on the radio.
tremble with something
to tremble because of something. The children trembled with fear during the storm. David trembled with rage when he saw his slashed tires.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.