The phrase "frighten someone out of one's wits" is thought to have originated in the 16th century. It is believed to be a reference to the practice of witches and wizards using magic to frighten people. This idiom is commonly used in various situations where someone experiences a severe or overwhelming level of fear. It can describe situations such as horror movies that elicit intense fright, witnessing a life-threatening event, encountering a sudden and unexpected danger, or being startled by a terrifying surprise.

What is the origin of the idiom "frighten someone out of one's wits" and when to use it?

to [frighten|scare|terrify] {sb} out of  {one's} wits

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The origin of the idiom "cold sweat" is derived from the physical reaction of the human body when experiencing intense fear, anxiety, or extreme stress. It has been used figuratively to describe this physiological response since at least the 18th century. This phrase is used to describe a physical reaction to intense fear, anxiety, or stress. It is commonly employed in various contexts and occasions where there is an emphasis on the overwhelming emotional response of an individual.

What is the origin of the idiom "cold sweat" and when to use it?

cold sweat

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The idiom "chill someone to the bone" is derived from the literal sensation of feeling coldness deep in one's bones, which is associated with a strong and penetrating cold. It is often employed when discussing chilling or unsettling experiences, such as encountering a terrifying situation, witnessing something deeply disturbing, or hearing a bone-chilling story.

What is the origin of the idiom "chill someone to the bone" and when to use it?

to [chill] {sb} to the (bone|marrow)

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The origin of the idiom "chill run up one's spine" is derived from the physical sensation of feeling a sudden chill or shiver along the spine. This physiological response is often associated with fear, excitement, or a strong emotional reaction. This phrase is used in various contexts and occasions where there is a need to describe a sudden and intense feeling of fear, unease, or emotional impact and finds usage in literature, storytelling, movies, and everyday conversations to evoke a visceral reaction and emphasize the immediacy and intensity of the emotional response.

What is the origin of the idiom "chill run up one's spine" and when to use it?

[chill|shiver] [run] (up|down) {one's} [spine]

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The origin of the idiom "be the death of someone" can be traced back to the 17th century. The phrase draws on the concept of something being so burdensome or aggravating that it metaphorically leads to a person's demise or extreme frustration. This expression can be used when discussing interpersonal conflicts, troublesome situations, or persistent irritations that have a detrimental effect on someone's well-being.

What is the origin of the idiom "be the death of someone" and when to use it?

to [be] the death of {sb}

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The phrase "with bated breath" originated from Shakespeare's play "The Merchant of Venice" and means to hold one's breath in anticipation or suspense. It is often employed in situations where people are eagerly awaiting an outcome, announcement, or significant event. This expression is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, such as during important ceremonies, sporting events, performances, or when waiting for the results of a competition.

What is the origin of the idiom "with bated breath" and when to use it?

with bated breath

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The idiom "shake like a leaf" is believed to have originated from the observation of leaves trembling or shaking in response to wind or external stimuli. It is commonly used in various contexts to describe a person's physical response to fear, nervousness, or extreme anxiety. This expression can be used in both formal and informal settings, such as public speaking engagements, job interviews, confronting phobias, experiencing a traumatic event, or being in a state of heightened anticipation.

What is the origin of the idiom "shake like a leaf" and when to use it?

to [shake|tremble] like a leaf

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The origin of the idiom "scare the crap out of someone" is rooted in informal and colloquial language. The use of "scare" to convey fear is a common concept, while the inclusion of "the crap out of someone" is an idiomatic expression that emerged as a way to emphasize the intensity or extremity of the scare. This phrase is commonly employed to depict moments of fear, surprise, or shock that elicit a strong and immediate reaction.

What is the origin of the idiom "scare the crap out of someone" and when to use it?

to [scare] the (living|) crap out of  {sb}

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The origin of the idiom "scare someone witless" is not definitively known, but it can be traced back to the use of the word "witless" to describe someone who is devoid of wit or intelligence. It is typically used in informal conversations or storytelling to describe moments or situations that evoke an extreme and paralyzing fear in someone.

What is the origin of the idiom "scare someone witless" and when to use it?

to [scare] {sb} witless

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The origin of the idiom "scare someone straight" can be traced back to the concept of using fear as a motivating factor for behavioral change. This expression is frequently used in conversations about parenting, education, correctional systems, or intervention programs, where the goal is to inspire a significant scare or shock in order to prompt a person to change their ways and adopt a more responsible or law-abiding path

What is the origin of the idiom "scare someone straight" and when to use it?

to [scare] {sb} straight

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The exact origin of the idiom "scare someone shitless" is difficult to trace due to its colloquial and informal nature. It is an idiomatic expression that likely emerged through the creative use of language to convey a strong and vivid sense of fear or shock. The inclusion of the word "shitless" serves as an intensifier, emphasizing the profound impact of the scare. This expression is often used when discussing encounters with supernatural elements, such as ghosts or paranormal activities, as well as when describing intense moments in horror movies or thrill rides.

What is the origin of the idiom "scare someone shitless" and when to use it?

to [scare] {sb} shitless

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The idiom "jump out of one's skin" likely emerged from the natural physiological response of the human body to sudden surprises or shocks. The phrase "jump out of one's skin" is used in various contexts to describe moments of extreme surprise, shock, or fright. It is commonly employed in storytelling, informal conversations, and descriptive writing to vividly depict the intensity of a person's reaction to a startling event.

What is the origin of the idiom "jump out of one's skin" and when to use it?

to [jump|leap] out of {one's} skin

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The origin of the idiom "make one's hair stand on end" can be traced back to ancient folklore and literature. It is believed to have originated from the concept of the body's physiological response to fear or extreme emotions. This phrase is used in various contexts or occasions to describe situations that evoke strong and intense feelings of fear, horror, or extreme shock. It is commonly employed in storytelling, literature, or conversations involving scary or chilling experiences.

What is the origin of the idiom "make one's hair stand on end" and when to use it?

to [make] {one's} hair stand on end

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The origin of the idiom "tremble in one's boots" can be traced back to the idea of physical trembling or shaking as a response to fear or anxiety. The phrase likely emerged as a colorful and exaggerated way to describe someone's intense emotional reaction to a frightening or intimidating situation.  It is often employed in informal or colloquial settings, including everyday conversations, storytelling, or informal writing.

What is the origin of the idiom "tremble in one's boots" and when to use it?

to [shake|quake|tremble] in {one's} (boots|shoes)

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The origin of the idiom "scare the daylights out of someone" is not entirely clear. It is believed to have emerged in the late 19th or early 20th century. The word "daylights" in this phrase refers to the idea of one's consciousness or vital energy. This expression is used in different situations to describe when something or someone frightens another person intensely. It's commonly used in casual conversations, storytelling, or informal writing.

What is the origin of the idiom "scare the daylights out of someone" and when to use it?

to [scare|freighten] the (living|) daylights out of {sb}

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The origin of the idiom "on tenterhooks" can be traced back to the textile industry in the 15th century. A tenter was a wooden frame with hooks or nails on which cloth was stretched during the process of drying or finishing. The hooks, called "tenterhooks," were used to hold the fabric tightly in place. The phrase can be used in personal situations, such as awaiting exam results, job interviews, or medical test results, where there is a high level of nervousness or anticipation.

What is the origin of the idiom "on tenterhooks" and when to use it?

on tenterhooks

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The idiom "like a scalded cat" likely originates from the behavior of cats when they are suddenly startled or in pain. Cats are known for their agility and swift reflexes, and when they experience discomfort or injury, such as being scalded by hot water, they typically react with immediate and frenzied movements to escape the source of pain. This phrase is used to describe someone fleeing from danger, reacting quickly to a startling event, or displaying high energy or fear in a particular situation.

What is the origin of the idiom "like a scalded cat" and when to use it?

like a scalded cat

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The phrase "scare the shit out of someone" is an idiomatic expression that originated as informal slang, likely evolving organically over time. The use of "scare" to denote fear or fright is a common concept, while the addition of "the shit out of someone" serves as a strong intensifier, emphasizing a deep and immediate scare. This expression is often used to describe experiences such as watching horror movies, encountering jump scares, participating in haunted attractions, sharing spooky stories, or engaging in pranks that aim to startle or frighten.

What is the origin of the idiom "scare the shit out of someone" and when to use it?

to [scare] the (living|) shit out of {sb}

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The idiom "rooted to the spot" is a figurative expression that draws its origin from the literal concept of plants and trees being firmly anchored in the soil by their roots. This expression is commonly used in contexts where individuals are stunned, astonished, or caught off guard by something unexpected or alarming.

What is the origin of the idiom "rooted to the spot" and when to use it?

rooted (to|in) the (spot|floor|ground)

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The origin of the idiom "make one's blood run cold" can be traced back to ancient beliefs and cultural associations surrounding blood and emotions. In many cultures, blood has long been associated with life, vitality, and the essence of a person. The notion of blood running cold suggests a sudden and dramatic change in someone's emotional state, as if their life force or vitality is being drained away. This expression is often used in discussions about suspenseful or frightening situations, such as thrilling movies, suspenseful novels, or real-life encounters with danger. literature, and everyday conversations to emphasize the chilling impact of an event, statement, or revelation.

What is the origin of the idiom "make one's blood run cold" and when to use it?

to [make] {one's} blood run cold

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The origin of the idiom "make one's skin crawl" is rooted in the physical response of the human body to fear or disgust. This phrase is commonly employed in discussions about creepy or unsettling experiences, such as encountering eerie creatures, witnessing disturbing behavior, or being in unnerving environments.

What is the origin of the idiom "make one's skin crawl" and when to use it?

to [make] {one'} ‌(skin|flesh) (crawl|creep)

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The origin of the idiom "for dear life" can be traced back to the early 19th century. The word "dear" in this context is used in its older sense of "precious" or "highly valued." The phrase likely emerged as a metaphorical expression to describe the intense effort and urgency with which one clings to or holds on to something in order to protect their own life or well-being. The term "dear life" carries the connotation of something cherished and worth preserving at all costs. It is commonly employed in discussions or descriptions of physical danger, such as gripping onto a ledge or railing during a fall, desperately swimming in turbulent waters, or tightly clutching onto a safety line during a dangerous activity.

What is the origin of the idiom "for dear life" and when to use it?

for dear life

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Dive into English idioms regarding fear and terror, like "on tenterhooks" and "shake like a leaf".

English Idioms for "Fear & Terror"