PhrasesHub

The collywobbles

    Definitions

      • feeling of nervousness or fear
        Describing a feeling of anxiety or uneasiness, often in the stomach

      • illness or discomfort
        Referring to a general feeling of sickness or discomfort, often without a specific cause

    Examples of The collywobbles

    • I ate too much ice cream at the fair, now I have the collywobbles.

      The idiom "the collywobbles" refers to feeling dizzy, light-headed, or nauseous as a result of eating too much or being overly excited. In this example, the speaker consumed a large amount of ice cream at the fair and is experiencing discomfort or unease as a result.

    • The roller coaster ride at the amusement park gave me the collywobbles.

      This usage of the idiom emphasizes that the speaker was made dizzy or nauseous due to a thrilling, exciting experience. In this case, the speaker participated in an intense roller coaster ride at an amusement park and felt disoriented or queasy as a result.

    • I heard a scary story and now I feel the collywobbles.

      This usage of the idiom suggests that the speaker was made uneasy or frightened as a result of hearing a particular story or piece of information. In this case, the speaker heard a scary story and is currently experiencing feelings of nervousness or discomfort.

    • The doctor informed me that I needed surgery, and now I have the collywobbles.

      This usage of the idiom highlights that the speaker is feeling anxious or apprehensive about an upcoming event or experience. In this case, the speaker learned that they require surgery and are currently experiencing feelings of uncertainty or distress.

    • Her speech about spiders sent the entire audience into a frenzy with the collywobbles.

      This idiom is used to describe a feeling of intense nervousness or fear. In this example, the speaker's words about spiders were so frightening that they caused a physical reaction in the listeners, such as feeling dizzy or sick (like collywobbles, which are small, rounded cakes or biscuits).

    • I can't believe I forgot my lines again. I'm getting the collywobbles before the play even starts!

      Here, the speaker is using the idiom to describe their nerves before a performance. They're so anxious about forgetting their lines that they're experiencing the same physical reaction they might have if they ate too many collywobbles.

    • I've never been on a roller coaster before, and just looking at it gives me the collywobbles.

      This example uses the idiom to describe a fear of heights or a particular activity. The speaker is saying that just thinking about going on a roller coaster makes them feel the same way they might feel after eating collywobbles (nervous and dizzy).

    • My friend told me a really spooky story last night, and I've had the collywobbles ever since.

      This final example shows that the idiom can be used to describe a lingering feeling of fear or unease. The speaker is saying that their friend's ghost story has left them with a physical reaction that's still present.


    Conclusion

    "The collywobbles" is a versatile idiom that can be used to express both a feeling of nervousness or fear, as well as a general sense of illness or discomfort. It can be used in various contexts to convey these emotions and sensations, making it a useful and expressive idiom in English language.

    Origin of "The collywobbles"

    The origin of the idiom "the collywobbles" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the 19th century in England. The word "collywobbles" itself is thought to be a combination of "colic" and "wobble", possibly referring to the feeling of stomach discomfort or uneasiness. Over time, the idiom has evolved to encompass a broader range of meanings, including both physical and emotional discomfort. Despite its unclear origins, "the collywobbles" has become a well-known and commonly used idiom in English language. Its vivid and colorful imagery makes it a popular choice for expressing feelings of anxiety or illness.