walk the floor

present singular third person walks the floor · participle present walking the floor · participle past walked the floor · past walked the floor

1. idiomaticTo 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

   4 more examples

   "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

   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)

   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)

   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