Trembling with fear; filled with trepidation — extremely frightened or nervous, often used to describe people awaiting bad news or in threatening situations.
上司の怒りを聞いて部下たちは戦々恐々としていた。
Hearing about the boss's anger, the subordinates were terrified.
新しい規則の施行を前に、店主たちは戦々恐々としている。
Before the enforcement of the new rules, shop owners are nervous and fearful.
テストの結果発表の日、学生たちは戦々恐々だった。
On the day test results were announced, the students were very nervous.