What does “Weak at the knees” mean?
"Weak at the knees" means to feel physically or emotionally weak or overwhelmed.
What context can I use the in?
Example
When he walked into the room, she felt weak at the knees.
Example
The sight of her favorite celebrity made her go weak at the knees.
Example
After running a marathon, his legs were weak at the knees
Is “Weak at the knees” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Weak at the knees” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Weak at the knees” effectively in context?
You can use "Weak at the Knees" to describe a feeling of physical or emotional weakness or overwhelm. It often implies being so affected by something or someone that it causes a loss of strength or stability. For example, if you see your favorite singer perform live and it leaves you feeling overwhelmed and physically weak, you might say, 'Their performance was so amazing, it made me go weak at the knees.'
- 1Attraction
When he walked into the room, she felt weak at the knees.
- 2Excitement
The sight of her favorite celebrity made her go weak at the knees.
- 3Physical exhaustion
After running a marathon, his legs were weak at the knees.
Similar phrases to “Weak at the knees”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Weak at the knees” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Weak at the Knees" is unknown.
Is “Weak at the knees” common in everyday conversation?
"Weak at the Knees" is a common idiom used in everyday conversation. It is often used to express strong emotions or physical reactions to certain situations or people.
What tone does “Weak at the knees” have?
"Weak at the Knees" conveys a tone of vulnerability and intense emotion. It is typically used to describe a powerful reaction to someone or something that leaves a person feeling physically or emotionally weak.
Can “Weak at the knees” be used in informal and formal settings?
"Weak at the Knees" is more commonly used in informal settings, such as casual conversations with friends or family. However, it can also be used in more formal contexts to describe a strong reaction to a particular event or situation.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The news of her success made me feel weak at the knees.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I went weak at the knees!' to express a strong reaction.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- overwhelmed
- powerless
- faint-hearted
- in awe
- emotionally drained
Antonyms
- resilient
- unaffected
- steadfast
- strong-willed
- emotionally stable
