IdiomBody & Senses
English
Englishbe scared stiff
Meaning: To be so frightened that one cannot move.
Example: “My little sister was scared stiff during the thunderstorm.”
Origin: Fear can leave a person rigid, unable to move. The phrase is in print by 1831, in a London publication, and was common by 1900.
Equivalents in other languages
French: Avoir une peur bleue Literally: To have a blue fear
Swedish: att vara rädd som en hare Literally: To be afraid like a hare
More English idioms
- have stars in one's eyes To be dazzled or dreamily idealistic, especially about love or fame.
- hit a snag To run into an unexpected problem.
- something fishy is going on Something suspicious is happening.
- take French leave To leave without saying goodbye or asking permission.
- dress to the nines To dress very smartly or elaborately.
- have friends in high places To know influential people who can help one.
Explore another collection: Tongue Twisters
Tricky phrases to practice out loud, from languages around the world.
- She sells seashells by the seashore. The definitive 's' versus 'sh' alternation — the tongue has to switch place of articulati…
- Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers. A relentless 'p' plosive drill; a peck is an old dry measure of about nine litres.
- Unique New York. Three words that jam the 'y/n/k' sequence together — repeat it and it collapses into 'you…
Keep exploring