Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 117 (click to see context) from:
* ''WesternAnimation/PawPatrol'': In Tracker Joins The Pups, Skye, Rubble and Tracker hear a knocking sound. Then it's revealed to be Marshall's shaking legs.
to:
* ''WesternAnimation/PawPatrol'': In Tracker Joins The Pups, Skye, Rubble and Rubble, Tracker and Carlos hear a knocking sound. Then it's revealed to be Marshall's shaking legs.that the sound was coming from Marshall, whose knees were shaking.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 116 (click to see context) from:
* ''WesternAnimation/TheRaggyDolls'': In the episode "Ghosts", every time Lucy gets scared her knees start knocking.
to:
* ''WesternAnimation/TheRaggyDolls'': In the episode "Ghosts", every time Lucy Lucy, just in general. Whenever she gets scared scared, she either falls into pieces, or her knees start knocking.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 117 (click to see context) from:
* ''WesternAnimation/PawPatrol'': In Tracker Joins The Pups,Skye, Rubble and Tracker hear a knocking sound. Then it's revealed to be Marshall's shaking legs.
to:
* ''WesternAnimation/PawPatrol'': In Tracker Joins The Pups,Skye, Pups, Skye, Rubble and Tracker hear a knocking sound. Then it's revealed to be Marshall's shaking legs.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 117 (click to see context) from:
* ''WesternAnimation/PawPatrol'': In Tracker Joins The Pups, Marshall, Skye, Rubble and Tracker hear a knocking sound. Then it's revealed to be Marshall's shaking legs.
to:
* ''WesternAnimation/PawPatrol'': In Tracker Joins The Pups, Marshall, Skye, Pups,Skye, Rubble and Tracker hear a knocking sound. Then it's revealed to be Marshall's shaking legs.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 117 (click to see context) from:
* ''WesternAnimation/PawPatrol'': In Tracker Joins The pups, Marshall, Skye, Rubble and Tracker joins hear a knocking sound coming from the cave. Then it's revealed that it was Marshall's shaking legs that were making the sound.
to:
* ''WesternAnimation/PawPatrol'': In Tracker Joins The pups, Pups, Marshall, Skye, Rubble and Tracker joins hear a knocking sound coming from the cave. sound. Then it's revealed that it was to be Marshall's shaking legs that were making the sound.legs.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
I think saying an example is demonstrated in the trope picture is no longer recommended, but I think the example demonstrated in the trope picture should get its text entry as well, albeit without the reference.
Added DiffLines:
* Bocchi Hitori in ''Manga/HitoribocchiNoOOSeikatsu'' does this when she is anxious, as her legs tend to cramp under stress. And since she has a [[ShrinkingViolet severe case of social anxiety]], this happens pretty often.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* In the teaser trailer for ''WesternAnimation/TheSuperMarioBrosMovie'', when Bowser emerges from his ship to face the penguin king, one of the former's Koopas is so scared that he's [[ShyShelledAnimal hiding in his shell]], quivering.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 103 (click to see context) from:
* In episode 3 of ''WesternAnimation/TheRenAndStimpyShow'', Mrs. Pipe stands on top of a couch with her knees shaking because of her fear of mice.
to:
* In the episode 3 "The Boy Who Cried Rat" of ''WesternAnimation/TheRenAndStimpyShow'', Mrs. Pipe stands on top of a couch with her knees shaking because of her fear of mice.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 48 (click to see context) from:
* Woody from ''WesternAnimation/ToyStory'' when he encounters Sid's horrifying house.
to:
* Woody from ''WesternAnimation/ToyStory'' ''WesternAnimation/ToyStory1'' when he encounters Sid's horrifying house.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* ''Film/ThirteenTzameti''. In the final RussianRoulette duel, veteran player 6 is calm while the protagonist 13 is soaked in sweat and trembling with fear.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Deleted line(s) 24 (click to see context) :
Deleted line(s) 52 (click to see context) :
Added DiffLines:
[[folder:Live-Action TV]]
* ''{{Series/Legion|2017}}'': In "[[Recap/LegionS3E3Chapter22 Chapter 22]]", while operating Cerebro, Charles Xavier trembles with fright after he makes contact with Amahl Farouk's mind.
[[/folder]]
* ''{{Series/Legion|2017}}'': In "[[Recap/LegionS3E3Chapter22 Chapter 22]]", while operating Cerebro, Charles Xavier trembles with fright after he makes contact with Amahl Farouk's mind.
[[/folder]]
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Spelling
Changed line(s) 41 (click to see context) from:
* ''WesternAnimation/BackToTheOutback'': Maddy trembling in fear after a surprise encounter with [[spoiler: Chazzie, who is also trembling in fear,]] is what clues him in on her being NotEvilJustMisunderstood.
to:
* ''WesternAnimation/BackToTheOutback'': Maddy Maddie trembling in fear after a surprise encounter with [[spoiler: Chazzie, who is also trembling in fear,]] is what clues him in on her being NotEvilJustMisunderstood.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
*''WesternAnimation/BackToTheOutback'': Maddy trembling in fear after a surprise encounter with [[spoiler: Chazzie, who is also trembling in fear,]] is what clues him in on her being NotEvilJustMisunderstood.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 8,9 (click to see context) from:
-->-- ''The Fourth Law of Robotics'' by Creator/HarryHarrison
to:
-->-- ''The Fourth Law of Robotics'' ''Literature/TheFourthLawOfRobotics'' by Creator/HarryHarrison
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
->''“What is that strange rattling sound?” I blurted out.''\\
''“Your knees rattling together,” was his simple and unflattering answer.''
-->-- ''The Fourth Law of Robotics'' by Creator/HarryHarrison
''“Your knees rattling together,” was his simple and unflattering answer.''
-->-- ''The Fourth Law of Robotics'' by Creator/HarryHarrison
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Added DiffLines:
* ''Literature/CanYouSpareAQuarter'': Jamie trembles from fear when Graham extends his arm to him, and when he first meets Frank who reminds him of his father.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 20 (click to see context) from:
* Cirno from ''VideoGame/{{Touhou}}'', after realizing the stakes at hand when Yuuka confronts her to battle.
to:
* At the beginning of the second chapter of ''Manga/AsteroidInLove''—animated right after the opening credits in the first episode—[[ShyBlueHairedGirl Ao]] trembles in fear as she gets overwhelmed by [[GenkiGirl Mira]]'s texts.
Changed line(s) 46 (click to see context) from:
* At the beginning of the second chapter of ''Manga/AsteroidInLove''—animated right after the opening credits in the first episode—[[ShyBlueHairedGirl Ao]] trembles in fear as she gets overwhelmed by [[GenkiGirl Mira]]'s texts.
to:
Added DiffLines:
Added DiffLines:
* Cirno from ''VideoGame/{{Touhou}}'', after realizing the stakes at hand when Yuuka confronts her to battle.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* At the beginning of the second chapter of ''Manga/AsteroidInLove''—animated right after the opening credits in the first episode—[[ShyBlueHairedGirl Ao]] trembles in fear as she gets overwhelmed by [[GenkiGirl Mira]]'s texts.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Changed line(s) 41 (click to see context) from:
* Sebastian the crab from ''WesternAnimation/TheLittleMermaid1''. His multiple legs quake when Trident asks what has become of his daughter Ariel.
to:
* Sebastian the crab from ''WesternAnimation/TheLittleMermaid1''.''WesternAnimation/TheLittleMermaid1989''. His multiple legs quake when Trident asks what has become of his daughter Ariel.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 29 (click to see context) from:
* Megumi from ''Manga/ShokugekiNoSoma'' is known to always shake violently when anxious.
to:
* Megumi from ''Manga/ShokugekiNoSoma'' ''Manga/FoodWars'' is known to always shake violently when anxious.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Updating the Deadpool The Musical 2 example
Deleted line(s) 62 (click to see context) :
* Third lyric in the first song of [[https://youtu.be/XWvBuZCHnKU Deadpool the Musical 2]] followed by a grunt [[PottyFailure pissing himself out of fear.]]
Added DiffLines:
[[folder:WebOriginal]]
* In the {{fan film}} ''WebVideo/DeadpoolTheMusical 2,'' the ''WesternAnimation/{{Moana}}'' {{song parody}} includes Deadpool singing these lines to lampshade the terrified reactions of the grunts:
--> '''Deadpool:''' ''[singing]'' You're face-to-mask with Deadpool and you're scared\\
You feel your knees start to shake--''[spoken]'' [[PottyFailure Did you just piss?!]]
[[/folder]]
* In the {{fan film}} ''WebVideo/DeadpoolTheMusical 2,'' the ''WesternAnimation/{{Moana}}'' {{song parody}} includes Deadpool singing these lines to lampshade the terrified reactions of the grunts:
--> '''Deadpool:''' ''[singing]'' You're face-to-mask with Deadpool and you're scared\\
You feel your knees start to shake--''[spoken]'' [[PottyFailure Did you just piss?!]]
[[/folder]]
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 93 (click to see context) from:
* In 3-2-1 Penguins!, a musical segment told the story of Galaxy Gus. When high noon was approaching and the town of Gamma Gulch ran off. Galaxy Gus starts to shake in his boots, chatter his teeth and bite his gloved hand as the outlaw Honcho Villa approaches him for a showdown.
to:
* In 3-2-1 Penguins!, a The ''WesternAnimation/ThreeTwoOnePenguins'' episode "Moon Menace on Planet Tell-a-Lie"'s musical segment told the story of Galaxy Gus. When high noon was approaching and the town of Gamma Gulch ran off. Galaxy Gus starts to shake in his boots, chatter his teeth and bite his gloved hand as the outlaw Honcho Villa approaches him for a showdown.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Disney has been depreciated as a namespace.
Changed line(s) 36,37 (click to see context) from:
* The Firemen in "The Whale Who Wanted To Sing At the Met" segment of Disney's ''Disney/MakeMineMusic''. Their knees shake in fear before the whale who had transformed into a demonic figure.
* One of the pitchers in the "Casey at the Bat" segment of Disney's ''Disney/MakeMineMusic''. The narrator notes that the pitcher is nervous as his knees shake.
* One of the pitchers in the "Casey at the Bat" segment of Disney's ''Disney/MakeMineMusic''. The narrator notes that the pitcher is nervous as his knees shake.
to:
* ''WesternAnimation/MakeMineMusic'':
** The Firemen in "The Whale Who Wanted To Sing At the Met"segment of Disney's ''Disney/MakeMineMusic''.segment. Their knees shake in fear before the whale who had transformed into a demonic figure.
* ** One of the pitchers in the "Casey at the Bat" segment of Disney's ''Disney/MakeMineMusic''.segment. The narrator notes that the pitcher is nervous as his knees shake.
** The Firemen in "The Whale Who Wanted To Sing At the Met"
Changed line(s) 40,41 (click to see context) from:
* Sebastian the crab from ''Disney/TheLittleMermaid''. His multiple legs quake when Trident asks what has become of his daughter Ariel.
* ''Disney/TheAdventuresOfIchabodAndMrToad''. Ichabod is absolutely terrified when traversing the woods due to the probability that the Headless Horse Man could appear. The smallest of sounds are enough to make his legs tremble like crazy.
* ''Disney/TheAdventuresOfIchabodAndMrToad''. Ichabod is absolutely terrified when traversing the woods due to the probability that the Headless Horse Man could appear. The smallest of sounds are enough to make his legs tremble like crazy.
to:
* Sebastian the crab from ''Disney/TheLittleMermaid''.''WesternAnimation/TheLittleMermaid1''. His multiple legs quake when Trident asks what has become of his daughter Ariel.
*''Disney/TheAdventuresOfIchabodAndMrToad''.''WesternAnimation/TheAdventuresOfIchabodAndMrToad''. Ichabod is absolutely terrified when traversing the woods due to the probability that the Headless Horse Man could appear. The smallest of sounds are enough to make his legs tremble like crazy.
*
Changed line(s) 44 (click to see context) from:
* Mushu from ''Disney/{{Mulan}}'' trembles at the knees in fear for his life when he accidentally destroys the Great Stone Dragon.
to:
* Mushu from ''Disney/{{Mulan}}'' ''WesternAnimation/{{Mulan}}'' trembles at the knees in fear for his life when he accidentally destroys the Great Stone Dragon.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 89 (click to see context) from:
* ''WesternAnimation/TheHuckleberryHoundShow''. In Episode 19, Huckleberry Hound takes the role of a lion tamer. The narrator states that once the lion notices any sign of fear in the lion tamer, it starts to make its pursuit. Consequentially, the camera pans to Huckleberry Hound's knees knocking together.
to:
* ''WesternAnimation/TheHuckleberryHoundShow''. In Episode 19, one episode, Huckleberry Hound takes the role of a lion tamer. The narrator states that once the lion notices any sign of fear in the lion tamer, it starts to make its pursuit. Consequentially, the camera pans to Huckleberry Hound's Huck's knees knocking together.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Changed line(s) 80,81 (click to see context) from:
* Mandy from ''WesternAnimation/TotallySpies'' (she's the one from the picture above). The camera focuses on her knees knocking together when she is afraid to perform in front of a crowd in the episode "Black Widow". She was literally shaking in her boots!
* In the ''WesternAnimation/PorkyPig'' cartoon "The Case of the Stuttering Pig", Porky tells Petunia that he's not afraid, as the camera cuts to a close-up of his shaking knees.
* In the ''WesternAnimation/PorkyPig'' cartoon "The Case of the Stuttering Pig", Porky tells Petunia that he's not afraid, as the camera cuts to a close-up of his shaking knees.
to:
* Mandy from ''WesternAnimation/TotallySpies'' (she's the one from the picture above).''WesternAnimation/TotallySpies''. The camera focuses on her knees knocking together when she is afraid to perform in front of a crowd in the episode "Black Widow". She was literally shaking in her boots!
* In the ''WesternAnimation/PorkyPig'' cartoon"The Case of the Stuttering Pig", "WesternAnimation/TheCaseOfTheStutteringPig", Porky tells Petunia that he's not afraid, as the camera cuts to a close-up of his shaking knees.
* In the ''WesternAnimation/PorkyPig'' cartoon
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 1,3 (click to see context) from:
[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/knees_edit.png]]
[[caption-width-right:350:This is why we hide our legs behind stands during speeches.]]
[[caption-width-right:350:This is why we hide our legs behind stands during speeches.]]
to:
%% Please do not replace or remove without starting a new thread.
%%
[[quoteright:249:[[Manga/HitoribocchiNoOOSeikatsu https://static.tvtropes.
[[caption-width-right:350:This is why we hide our legs behind stands during speeches.]]
Deleted line(s) 9 (click to see context) :
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 31 (click to see context) from:
* Karen from ''Characters/ShominSample''. Her legs start to shake when Kimito attempts to dominate her in regards to what clothes she wants to wear.
to:
* Karen from ''Characters/ShominSample''.''LightNovel/ShominSample''. Her legs start to shake when Kimito attempts to dominate her in regards to what clothes she wants to wear.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 43 (click to see context) from:
* Mushu from Mulan trembles at the knees in fear for his life when he accidentally destroys the Great Stone Dragon.
to:
* Mushu from Mulan ''Disney/{{Mulan}}'' trembles at the knees in fear for his life when he accidentally destroys the Great Stone Dragon.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 28 (click to see context) from:
* Megumi from ''Manga/ShokugekinoSoma'' is known to always shake violently when anxious.
to:
* Megumi from ''Manga/ShokugekinoSoma'' ''Manga/ShokugekiNoSoma'' is known to always shake violently when anxious.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/knees_edit.png]]
[[caption-width-right:350:This is why we hide our legs behind stands during speeches.]]
In many forms of media, there are scenes that express a character's fear, whether it be from heights, or from entering an abandoned mansion. It is worth noting that at times, those characters will, as a result, tremble. Though it can be considered on the note of serious terror, once the sound effect of trembling is implemented, or once you notice that characters are shaking in the most exaggerated way possible, it seems as though those scenes are there for comedic effect. As a result, characters will often joke about the other character "shaking like a leaf", with the portrayal of one's teeth chattering or knees banging together adding to the comic relief (most prominent in ''Westernanimation/ScoobyDoo'').
A common feature for a NervousWreck. Compare SecurityCling.
----
!!Examples
[[foldercontrol]]
[[folder:Advertising]]
* A '90s Little Caesar commercial depicted a class getting ready to take an exam, and one of the kids was shaking rapidly when he was about to take it.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Anime and Manga]]
* Usopp in ''Manga/OnePiece''. Even though he claims that he is not afraid, his shaking legs always tend to give it away.
* Cirno from ''VideoGame/{{Touhou}}'', after realizing the stakes at hand when Yuuka confronts her to battle.
* Monaka in ''Anime/DragonBallSuper''. He is so terrified to fight Hit that his teeth chatter and his knees shake.
* Keith from ''Manga/ZatchBell''. After [[spoiler:losing the fight between Kiyo Takamine and Zatch Bell in chapter 196]], his legs shake so hard that he notes that they are practically laughing at him.
* ''Franchise/{{Naruto}}'' subverts this trope in the episode "The Cursed Warrior". He tries to convince Lady Tsunade that he isn't scared of ghosts, but his knees are visibly trembling in front of her.
** Ino from Naruto experiences this is as well due to being afraid of helping Sakura fight [[spoiler:the sound village]] in Naruto Episode 32.
* Shio Ogura from "Nobunagun". In the very first episode, she experiences a life-threating situation that causes her knees to knock together in fear. She tries to stop them from knocking by holding them, but it doesn't work.
* All Might from ''Manga/MyHeroAcademia''. All Might tries to stop his legs from shaking due to the trauma of training with his past teacher.
** Izuku Midoriya also subverts this trope on a couple of occasions, mainly whenever he is nervous to fight and his legs won't move.
* In ''Anime/JinRohTheWolfBrigade'', the camera points to Kei Amemiya's legs shaking when she is confronted by Fuse in the sewers.
* Megumi from ''Manga/ShokugekinoSoma'' is known to always shake violently when anxious.
* Shino Amakusa from ''Manga/SeitokaiYakuindomo''. She is afraid of heights, and her shaky knees portray that. However, she tries to cover it up by saying she's shaking with excitement.
* In the ''Anime/{{Pokemon}}'' episode "Clefairy and the Moonstone" the professor tries to protect the Clefairy from Team Rocket, but Team Rocket note that his knees are shaking, thus making a loud noise.
* Karen from ''Characters/ShominSample''. Her legs start to shake when Kimito attempts to dominate her in regards to what clothes she wants to wear.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Film -- Animated]]
* The Firemen in "The Whale Who Wanted To Sing At the Met" segment of Disney's ''Disney/MakeMineMusic''. Their knees shake in fear before the whale who had transformed into a demonic figure.
* One of the pitchers in the "Casey at the Bat" segment of Disney's ''Disney/MakeMineMusic''. The narrator notes that the pitcher is nervous as his knees shake.
* In ''WesternAnimation/TheSecretOfNIMH'', Jeremy's knees are knocking loudly as he drops Mrs. Brisby off at the entrance to the Great Owl's lair.
* In ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyEquestriaGirls'', Twilight Sparkle's human legs quiver in fear due to being the goalie against Rainbow Dash in a soccer game.
* Sebastian the crab from ''Disney/TheLittleMermaid''. His multiple legs quake when Trident asks what has become of his daughter Ariel.
* ''Disney/TheAdventuresOfIchabodAndMrToad''. Ichabod is absolutely terrified when traversing the woods due to the probability that the Headless Horse Man could appear. The smallest of sounds are enough to make his legs tremble like crazy.
* Woody from ''WesternAnimation/ToyStory'' when he encounters Sid's horrifying house.
* ''WesternAnimation/ScaryGodmother'' when the kids get spooked by Scary Godmother's crew in the haunted house.
* Mushu from Mulan trembles at the knees in fear for his life when he accidentally destroys the Great Stone Dragon.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Film -- Live-Action]]
* In ''Film/WhoFramedRogerRabbit'', Eddie and Roger are at Maroon Studios to talk to R.K. Maroon about [[spoiler:the sale of the studio to Cloverleaf]]. Eddie accuses Roger of wanting to leave because he's too scared. Roger says "Me, scared? Don't be ridiculous!", followed by him chattering his teeth in an exaggerated manner appropriate for a cartoon character like him.
* In ''Film/TheWizardOfOz'', the main cast trembles comedically when facing the Wizard.
* In the opening sequence of ''Film/HoneyIShrunkTheKids'' when the male character confronts a bug.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Literature]]
* Hamlet, Act 2, Scene 1
-->'''Ophelia''': Pale as his shirt; his knees knocking each other; And with a look so piteous in purport As if he had been loosed out of hell To speak of horrors, he comes before me.
* ''Literature/CaseyAtTheBat''. The pitcher was so nervous his knees begin to shake.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:{{Music}}]]
* In the Music Video for "Not Your Fault" by AWOLNATION, a guy's legs shake either from the cold or from being in a spooky cave.
* Third lyric in the first song of [[https://youtu.be/XWvBuZCHnKU Deadpool the Musical 2]] followed by a grunt [[PottyFailure pissing himself out of fear.]]
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Theatre]]
* {{Theatre/Coppelia}}. A ballerina is pressured to check what's behind the closet. After seeing Coppelia in there, she hides and makes her legs tremble in an exaggerated manner.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:{{Video Games}}]]
* ''VideoGame/PiratesOfTheBurningSea'' has a cower emote that consists of this.
* ''VideoGame/YandereSimulator'' includes a nervous emote that consists of this.
* ''Videogame/FreeRealms'' includes a cower emote that consists of this.
* ''VideoGame/MarioAndLuigiPartnersInTime'': Luigi's legs shake in a comedic fashion when [=UFOs=] attack the Mushroom Kingdom.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Webcomics]]
* ''Webcomic/StickyDillyBuns'' sort-of-inverts the trope [[http://www.stickydillybuns.com/strips-sdb/Some_kissing_lessons here,]] when Ruby's knees shake due to lust rather than fear.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:WesternAnimation]]
* Scooby and Shaggy from ''Franchise/ScoobyDoo''. It's so prominent in the series that the theme song of Scooby Doo notes that we can see how Scooby shakes and shivers.
* Mandy from ''WesternAnimation/TotallySpies'' (she's the one from the picture above). The camera focuses on her knees knocking together when she is afraid to perform in front of a crowd in the episode "Black Widow". She was literally shaking in her boots!
* In the ''WesternAnimation/PorkyPig'' cartoon "The Case of the Stuttering Pig", Porky tells Petunia that he's not afraid, as the camera cuts to a close-up of his shaking knees.
* Andy from ''WesternAnimation/MayaAndMiguel'' experiences this when he tries to hit on Esmeralda in the episode "The Letter".
* In ''WesternAnimation/GrowingUpCreepie'', best friends Carla and Melanie's legs shake while being frightened in Creepie's house in the episode "Night of Fright".
* In episode 3 of ''WesternAnimation/TheRenAndStimpyShow'', Mrs. Pipe stands on top of a couch with her knees shaking because of her fear of mice.
* ''WesternAnimation/CoalBlackAndDeSebbenDwarfs''. When Coal Black gets startled by the voices of the sebben dwarfs, her knees are shown knocking in rapid succession.
* ''WesternAnimation/TheGrimAdventuresOfBillyAndMandy''. In the episode "Crushed", Mandy has an ''Main/OutOfCharacter'' moment where she falls in love. The side effect included sweaty palms and weak knees.
* In the 1938 short "Ferdinand", everyone was afraid of Ferdinand, and the matador is portrayed with his knees knocking against each other.
* ''WesternAnimation/TomAndJerry''. Tom's knees bang together from behind the blankets while being told a scary story in the episode "Fraidy Cat".
* ''WesternAnimation/TheHuckleberryHoundShow''. In Episode 19, Huckleberry Hound takes the role of a lion tamer. The narrator states that once the lion notices any sign of fear in the lion tamer, it starts to make its pursuit. Consequentially, the camera pans to Huckleberry Hound's knees knocking together.
* In "What Makes ''WesternAnimation/DaffyDuck'', Daffy's legs tremble in quick succession when hiding from duck season.
* Fluttershy from ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic'' tends to get in a nervous wreck where she trembles, hence her name.
* In 3-2-1 Penguins!, a musical segment told the story of Galaxy Gus. When high noon was approaching and the town of Gamma Gulch ran off. Galaxy Gus starts to shake in his boots, chatter his teeth and bite his gloved hand as the outlaw Honcho Villa approaches him for a showdown.
* ''WesternAnimation/DangerMouse'': In "Where There's a Well, There's a Way," DM and Penfold are traversing a dark cavern when DM hears some rapid knocking. Penfold (as he describes as it's pitch black except for the heroes' eyes) lowers his head and the knocking stops. He's got his head between his knees to keep them from knocking together.
* ''WesternAnimation/MickeyMouse'': Mickey's legs are shown shaking on multiple occasions in the 1929 Haunted House episode.
* ''WesternAnimation/TheRaggyDolls'': In the episode "Ghosts", every time Lucy gets scared her knees start knocking.
* ''WesternAnimation/PawPatrol'': In Tracker Joins The pups, Marshall, Skye, Rubble and Tracker joins hear a knocking sound coming from the cave. Then it's revealed that it was Marshall's shaking legs that were making the sound.
[[/folder]]
-----
[[caption-width-right:350:This is why we hide our legs behind stands during speeches.]]
In many forms of media, there are scenes that express a character's fear, whether it be from heights, or from entering an abandoned mansion. It is worth noting that at times, those characters will, as a result, tremble. Though it can be considered on the note of serious terror, once the sound effect of trembling is implemented, or once you notice that characters are shaking in the most exaggerated way possible, it seems as though those scenes are there for comedic effect. As a result, characters will often joke about the other character "shaking like a leaf", with the portrayal of one's teeth chattering or knees banging together adding to the comic relief (most prominent in ''Westernanimation/ScoobyDoo'').
A common feature for a NervousWreck. Compare SecurityCling.
----
!!Examples
[[foldercontrol]]
[[folder:Advertising]]
* A '90s Little Caesar commercial depicted a class getting ready to take an exam, and one of the kids was shaking rapidly when he was about to take it.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Anime and Manga]]
* Usopp in ''Manga/OnePiece''. Even though he claims that he is not afraid, his shaking legs always tend to give it away.
* Cirno from ''VideoGame/{{Touhou}}'', after realizing the stakes at hand when Yuuka confronts her to battle.
* Monaka in ''Anime/DragonBallSuper''. He is so terrified to fight Hit that his teeth chatter and his knees shake.
* Keith from ''Manga/ZatchBell''. After [[spoiler:losing the fight between Kiyo Takamine and Zatch Bell in chapter 196]], his legs shake so hard that he notes that they are practically laughing at him.
* ''Franchise/{{Naruto}}'' subverts this trope in the episode "The Cursed Warrior". He tries to convince Lady Tsunade that he isn't scared of ghosts, but his knees are visibly trembling in front of her.
** Ino from Naruto experiences this is as well due to being afraid of helping Sakura fight [[spoiler:the sound village]] in Naruto Episode 32.
* Shio Ogura from "Nobunagun". In the very first episode, she experiences a life-threating situation that causes her knees to knock together in fear. She tries to stop them from knocking by holding them, but it doesn't work.
* All Might from ''Manga/MyHeroAcademia''. All Might tries to stop his legs from shaking due to the trauma of training with his past teacher.
** Izuku Midoriya also subverts this trope on a couple of occasions, mainly whenever he is nervous to fight and his legs won't move.
* In ''Anime/JinRohTheWolfBrigade'', the camera points to Kei Amemiya's legs shaking when she is confronted by Fuse in the sewers.
* Megumi from ''Manga/ShokugekinoSoma'' is known to always shake violently when anxious.
* Shino Amakusa from ''Manga/SeitokaiYakuindomo''. She is afraid of heights, and her shaky knees portray that. However, she tries to cover it up by saying she's shaking with excitement.
* In the ''Anime/{{Pokemon}}'' episode "Clefairy and the Moonstone" the professor tries to protect the Clefairy from Team Rocket, but Team Rocket note that his knees are shaking, thus making a loud noise.
* Karen from ''Characters/ShominSample''. Her legs start to shake when Kimito attempts to dominate her in regards to what clothes she wants to wear.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Film -- Animated]]
* The Firemen in "The Whale Who Wanted To Sing At the Met" segment of Disney's ''Disney/MakeMineMusic''. Their knees shake in fear before the whale who had transformed into a demonic figure.
* One of the pitchers in the "Casey at the Bat" segment of Disney's ''Disney/MakeMineMusic''. The narrator notes that the pitcher is nervous as his knees shake.
* In ''WesternAnimation/TheSecretOfNIMH'', Jeremy's knees are knocking loudly as he drops Mrs. Brisby off at the entrance to the Great Owl's lair.
* In ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyEquestriaGirls'', Twilight Sparkle's human legs quiver in fear due to being the goalie against Rainbow Dash in a soccer game.
* Sebastian the crab from ''Disney/TheLittleMermaid''. His multiple legs quake when Trident asks what has become of his daughter Ariel.
* ''Disney/TheAdventuresOfIchabodAndMrToad''. Ichabod is absolutely terrified when traversing the woods due to the probability that the Headless Horse Man could appear. The smallest of sounds are enough to make his legs tremble like crazy.
* Woody from ''WesternAnimation/ToyStory'' when he encounters Sid's horrifying house.
* ''WesternAnimation/ScaryGodmother'' when the kids get spooked by Scary Godmother's crew in the haunted house.
* Mushu from Mulan trembles at the knees in fear for his life when he accidentally destroys the Great Stone Dragon.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Film -- Live-Action]]
* In ''Film/WhoFramedRogerRabbit'', Eddie and Roger are at Maroon Studios to talk to R.K. Maroon about [[spoiler:the sale of the studio to Cloverleaf]]. Eddie accuses Roger of wanting to leave because he's too scared. Roger says "Me, scared? Don't be ridiculous!", followed by him chattering his teeth in an exaggerated manner appropriate for a cartoon character like him.
* In ''Film/TheWizardOfOz'', the main cast trembles comedically when facing the Wizard.
* In the opening sequence of ''Film/HoneyIShrunkTheKids'' when the male character confronts a bug.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Literature]]
* Hamlet, Act 2, Scene 1
-->'''Ophelia''': Pale as his shirt; his knees knocking each other; And with a look so piteous in purport As if he had been loosed out of hell To speak of horrors, he comes before me.
* ''Literature/CaseyAtTheBat''. The pitcher was so nervous his knees begin to shake.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:{{Music}}]]
* In the Music Video for "Not Your Fault" by AWOLNATION, a guy's legs shake either from the cold or from being in a spooky cave.
* Third lyric in the first song of [[https://youtu.be/XWvBuZCHnKU Deadpool the Musical 2]] followed by a grunt [[PottyFailure pissing himself out of fear.]]
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Theatre]]
* {{Theatre/Coppelia}}. A ballerina is pressured to check what's behind the closet. After seeing Coppelia in there, she hides and makes her legs tremble in an exaggerated manner.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:{{Video Games}}]]
* ''VideoGame/PiratesOfTheBurningSea'' has a cower emote that consists of this.
* ''VideoGame/YandereSimulator'' includes a nervous emote that consists of this.
* ''Videogame/FreeRealms'' includes a cower emote that consists of this.
* ''VideoGame/MarioAndLuigiPartnersInTime'': Luigi's legs shake in a comedic fashion when [=UFOs=] attack the Mushroom Kingdom.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Webcomics]]
* ''Webcomic/StickyDillyBuns'' sort-of-inverts the trope [[http://www.stickydillybuns.com/strips-sdb/Some_kissing_lessons here,]] when Ruby's knees shake due to lust rather than fear.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:WesternAnimation]]
* Scooby and Shaggy from ''Franchise/ScoobyDoo''. It's so prominent in the series that the theme song of Scooby Doo notes that we can see how Scooby shakes and shivers.
* Mandy from ''WesternAnimation/TotallySpies'' (she's the one from the picture above). The camera focuses on her knees knocking together when she is afraid to perform in front of a crowd in the episode "Black Widow". She was literally shaking in her boots!
* In the ''WesternAnimation/PorkyPig'' cartoon "The Case of the Stuttering Pig", Porky tells Petunia that he's not afraid, as the camera cuts to a close-up of his shaking knees.
* Andy from ''WesternAnimation/MayaAndMiguel'' experiences this when he tries to hit on Esmeralda in the episode "The Letter".
* In ''WesternAnimation/GrowingUpCreepie'', best friends Carla and Melanie's legs shake while being frightened in Creepie's house in the episode "Night of Fright".
* In episode 3 of ''WesternAnimation/TheRenAndStimpyShow'', Mrs. Pipe stands on top of a couch with her knees shaking because of her fear of mice.
* ''WesternAnimation/CoalBlackAndDeSebbenDwarfs''. When Coal Black gets startled by the voices of the sebben dwarfs, her knees are shown knocking in rapid succession.
* ''WesternAnimation/TheGrimAdventuresOfBillyAndMandy''. In the episode "Crushed", Mandy has an ''Main/OutOfCharacter'' moment where she falls in love. The side effect included sweaty palms and weak knees.
* In the 1938 short "Ferdinand", everyone was afraid of Ferdinand, and the matador is portrayed with his knees knocking against each other.
* ''WesternAnimation/TomAndJerry''. Tom's knees bang together from behind the blankets while being told a scary story in the episode "Fraidy Cat".
* ''WesternAnimation/TheHuckleberryHoundShow''. In Episode 19, Huckleberry Hound takes the role of a lion tamer. The narrator states that once the lion notices any sign of fear in the lion tamer, it starts to make its pursuit. Consequentially, the camera pans to Huckleberry Hound's knees knocking together.
* In "What Makes ''WesternAnimation/DaffyDuck'', Daffy's legs tremble in quick succession when hiding from duck season.
* Fluttershy from ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic'' tends to get in a nervous wreck where she trembles, hence her name.
* In 3-2-1 Penguins!, a musical segment told the story of Galaxy Gus. When high noon was approaching and the town of Gamma Gulch ran off. Galaxy Gus starts to shake in his boots, chatter his teeth and bite his gloved hand as the outlaw Honcho Villa approaches him for a showdown.
* ''WesternAnimation/DangerMouse'': In "Where There's a Well, There's a Way," DM and Penfold are traversing a dark cavern when DM hears some rapid knocking. Penfold (as he describes as it's pitch black except for the heroes' eyes) lowers his head and the knocking stops. He's got his head between his knees to keep them from knocking together.
* ''WesternAnimation/MickeyMouse'': Mickey's legs are shown shaking on multiple occasions in the 1929 Haunted House episode.
* ''WesternAnimation/TheRaggyDolls'': In the episode "Ghosts", every time Lucy gets scared her knees start knocking.
* ''WesternAnimation/PawPatrol'': In Tracker Joins The pups, Marshall, Skye, Rubble and Tracker joins hear a knocking sound coming from the cave. Then it's revealed that it was Marshall's shaking legs that were making the sound.
[[/folder]]
-----
