The phrase is based on real nautical slang and is a reference to the timbers, which are the wooden support frames of a sailing ship . In heavy seas, ships would be lifted up and pounded down so hard as to “shiver” the timbers, startling the sailors.
The phrase is based on real nautical slang and is a reference to the timbers, which are the wooden support frames of a sailing ship . In heavy seas, ships would be lifted up and pounded down so hard as to “shiver” the timbers, startling the sailors.