Dictionary

walk the floor en · VERB

Pronunciation

• (Australia) audio

Meanings

1. (idiomatic) To pace back and forth restlessly, because of worry, excitement, distress, etc.
   • "Oh—this is terrible!" she broke out frantically—and she began to walk the floor. 1913, Kathleen Norris, “Rising Water”, in Poor Dear Margaret Kirby and other Stories:
   • Ida . . . remembered the "anxious way my mother walked the floor at night when my father was out to a political meeting." 1998, Linda O. McMurry, To Keep the Waters Troubled, ch. 1 (excerpt at nytimes.com)
   • "How wildly you talk, Margaret!" exclaimed Mr. Birtwell, with increased irritation. . . . Mr. Birtwell started to his feet and walked the floor with considerable excitement. 1875, T. S. Arthur, chapter 3, in Danger; or, Wounded in the House of a Friend:
   • If Kyle felt half as torn about his upcoming marriage as Brandon suspected, he might walk the floor all night. 2015, Brenda Novak, chapter 7, in Whiskey Creek Series Volume One, →ISBN:
   • You left me and you went away . . . I'm walking the floor over you I can't sleep a wink that is true I'm hoping and I'm praying as my heart breaks right in two Walking the floor over you 1941, Ernest Tubb, "Walking the Floor Over You" (song)

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