weak-kneed

weak-kneed
weak-kneedly, adv.weak-kneedness, n.
/week"need"/, adj.
yielding readily to opposition, pressure, intimidation, etc.
[1860-65]

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Universalium. 2010.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Weak-kneed — a. Having weak knees; hence, easily yielding; wanting resolution. H. James. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • weak-kneed — [ ,wik nid ] adjective feeling weak from fear or excitement …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • weak-kneed — ► ADJECTIVE 1) weak and shaky from fear or excitement. 2) lacking in resolve or courage …   English terms dictionary

  • weak-kneed — [wēknēd΄] adj. 1. having weak knees 2. lacking in courage, determination, resistance, etc …   English World dictionary

  • weak-kneed — adj informal lacking courage and unable to make your own decisions …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • weak-kneed — weak′ kneed′ adj. yielding readily to opposition, pressure, intimidation, etc • Etymology: 1860–65 …   From formal English to slang

  • weak-kneed — ADJ GRADED If you describe someone as weak kneed, you mean that they are unable or unwilling to do anything because they are influenced by a strong emotion such as fear. [INFORMAL] He would need all his authority to keep the weak kneed volunteers …   English dictionary

  • weak-kneed — adjective Lacking will power or strength of character; timid. It is incontrovertible that the children grow up into rotten adults, without virility or stamina, a weak kneed, narrow chested, listless breed, that crumples up and goes down in the… …   Wiktionary

  • weak-kneed — not strong in character, lacking will power    Marvin yields to temptation, but I wouldn t say he s weak kneed …   English idioms

  • weak-kneed — adjective lacking will power or resolution the role of the dissenter is not for the weak kneed • Similar to: ↑irresolute …   Useful english dictionary

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