The term 'the jitters' is a colloquial expression used to describe a feeling of nervousness or ANXIETY. It can be broken down into two crossword solutions: 'NERVES' (6 letters) and 'ANXIETY' (7 letters). NERVES are defined as a state of being tense, anxious, or uneasy, while ANXIETY is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome. Together, these two words accurately describe the feeling of 'the jitters'.