What is waiting for the shoe to drop?

The phrase "waiting for the shoe to drop" means anticipating or expecting something bad to happen. It originated in the early 20th century when people living in apartment buildings would hear their neighbors upstairs take off their shoes and drop them on the floor, which would create a loud noise. When they heard one shoe drop, they knew that the other one would soon follow, and it created a feeling of anxiety and anticipation.

In a broader sense, waiting for the shoe to drop refers to the feeling of waiting for the inevitable bad news or consequences of a situation. It can cause stress and anxiety, and often leads people to imagine worst-case scenarios. It is a common feeling in situations such as waiting for medical test results, waiting for a decision from a boss or authority figure, or waiting to see how a difficult situation will resolve itself.