- weak-kneed
- adjective Date: 1863 lacking willpower or resolution
New Collegiate Dictionary. 2001.
weak-kneed
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
weak-kneed — weak kneedly, adv. weak kneedness, n. /week need /, adj. yielding readily to opposition, pressure, intimidation, etc. [1860 65] * * * … Universalium
