weak at the knees

weak at the knees

1. Literally, in danger of collapsing because one's knees may buckle, due to faintness brought on by a strong emotion, exhaustion, etc. Hearing the news of my father's sudden death, I went weak at the knees and could barely remain standing.
2. By extension, affected by a strong emotional reaction to someone or something. In this usage, the reaction is usually positive and associated with romance. Just thinking about Samantha makes me feel weak at the knees.
See also: knee, weak
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

weak at the knees

overcome by a strong emotion.
See also: knee, weak
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • groan under
  • groan under (someone or something)
  • up to (one's) knees
  • up to knees
  • up to one’s knees
  • on (one's) hands and knees
  • on your hands and knees
  • kneel
  • kneel before (someone or something)
  • kneel down before (someone or something)
References in classic literature
Jurgis turned white, and so weak at the knees that he could hardly leave his cell.
Labour MP Peter Kyle slammed Ni-Chionna, saying: "Why is it you and your committee go completely weak at the knees when it comes to powerful chief executives?"
George looked great, sounded incredible and could pen songs which left teenage fans weak at the knees. Behind the scenes, of course, George was a different person.
His bulging biceps make Sheila and Dipi go weak at the knees, and when Sheila notices her neighbour eyeing him up, tries to make him an exclusive offer he can't refuse.
A movie source said: "When Lucy's around, Henry goes weak at the knees, like Superman has had a dose of kryptonite."
Yes, human babies are nice, but there's nothing like a baby animal to make us go weak at the knees. The fluff, those comesnuggle-me eyes - pity some of them could take you out with one pad of those big paws (bear, lion, tiger cubs, we're looking at you).
There is something about bad men in prison that makes some women weak at the knees. Some female is always wanting to marry a death row inmate or pledge fidelity to someone locked away for a chopping up a body.
Well today the 21-year-old gave the biggest hint yet with one cheeky act on Facebook, sending every Liverpool fan weak at the knees.
for the wings of a dove" Just give me the breast of a chicken He can stuff the wings of his dove But his manner was so beguiling I'm left just weak at the knees When he plays that lilt on the piano Makes me all 'thank you' and 'please' His repertoire's quite exquisite Mind you!
My wife certainly wouldn't go weak at the knees if I came home in a sodden shirt"- Actor Colin Firth on his famous scene in Pride And Prejudice.
My wife certainly wouldn't go weak at the knees if I came home in a sodden shirt" - Actor Colin Firth on his famous scene in Pride And Prejudice.
Being in love, for instance, makes you feel a warm glow everywhere apart from the knees - suggesting there might be something in the old saying that the object of a person's affection makes them "weak at the knees".
The mum-of-two, who now weighs 28 stone, says that just the sight of a bakery makes her weak at the knees and out of breath.
Miranda (BBC One, tomorrow, 9pm) | CARDIFF-BORN actor Tom Ellis has always had the power to make grown women go weak at the knees. With his wavy hair and winning smile, he oozes charm, but not in a suave or knowing way; Tom is the hunk next door, the kind of chap you could happily take home to meet your mum.
HUNK: Debbie can'to go weak at the knees over Robert Pattinson was such a success that Debbie is planning a second sequel - and a stage musical.