wait for the other shoe to drop
The phrase 'wait for the other shoe to drop' originates from tenement living in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, where the sound of a neighbor removing shoes created an expectation for the second shoe to follow.
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Definition
C1General
(informal, idiomatic)To anticipate an inevitable event, often negative or unpleasant, after a preceding event.
Example
- After hearing about the budget cuts, employees were waiting for the other shoe to drop.
C1Psychology
(informal, idiomatic)To be in a state of suspense or anxiety, expecting a negative outcome following a prior event.
Example
- She couldn't relax, constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop after the argument.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "wait for the other shoe to drop":