Be/feel like jelly

usgb
verb

To feel weak or unstable because of fear, nervousness, or physical exhaustion.

After running the marathon, my legs feel like jelly.
Visual representation of "be/feel like jelly" - To feel weak or unstable because of fear, nervousness, or physical exhaustion.

Often appears as...

  • legs feel like jelly
  • hands feel like jelly

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "be/feel like jelly"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Emotional State

Use when describing a physical reaction to strong emotions like fear or anxiety.

Illustration for Emotional State
Before giving my speech, I felt like jelly.
LampPro Tip 2/3

After Exercise

Commonly used after intense physical activity to describe feelings of exhaustion.

Illustration for After Exercise
After my first yoga class, my arms felt like jelly.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Literal

It's a metaphorical expression, not describing actual jelly, but a state of weakness.

Illustration for Not Literal
My whole body felt like jelly after the scare.
Visual representation of the word "Be/feel like jelly"

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