be scared stiff
Meaning: To be so frightened that one cannot move.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Example: “My little sister was scared stiff during the thunderstorm.”
Category: Body & Senses
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
- Estonian: Jänes püksis — literally: A hare in the trousers
More idioms — Body & Senses
- with one hand tied behind one's back — Very easily; or, when forced on someone, at a great disadvantage.
- have a heart of gold — To be very kind and generous.
- get back on one's feet — To recover after an illness or a setback.
- not sleep a wink — To not sleep at all.
- welcome with open arms — To greet or accept someone with great warmth and enthusiasm.
- count on the fingers of one hand — To be very few in number, five or fewer.
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.
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