IdiomBody & Senses
English
Englishone's blood runs cold
Meaning: To be filled with sudden fear or horror.
Example: “My blood ran cold when I heard footsteps in the empty house.”
Origin: It reflects the old medical belief that emotions changed the body's temperature and humors. The phrase is common from the early 19th century.
Equivalents in other languages
French: Avoir les sangs tournés Literally: To have one's bloods turned
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