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Continuing from my 5 English idioms related to graves column post, we’ll look at some idioms related to fear next in this Halloween-themed series.
(to give one) the heebie-jeebies
Meaning: a state of nervous fear or anxiety
Example: “I always get the heebie-jeebies when I walk through a graveyard.”
Note: The words “heebie-jeebies” may be written with or without hyphenation.
to be scared/frightened of one’s shadow
Meaning: to be very timid, nervous, or easily scared
Example: “You can't live life being afraid of your shadow—you need to get out into the world and taste adventure!”
to scare the __ out of someone (several words are commonly used in the blank space in this expression, including shit/crap/poop, bejesus, hell, and daylights) / to scare someone (half) to death
Meaning: to frighten someone very badly
Example: “Don't sneak up on me like that—you scared the crap out of me!”
Example: “Thunderstorms scare her to death.”
to be shaking in one’s boots/shoes
Meaning: to be very nervous or scared
Example: “She was shaking in her boots/shoes as she waited for the doctor.”
to be/turn (as) white as a sheet
Meaning: to be very pale, usually because of illness, shock, or fear
Example: “He appeared in the doorway, white as a sheet, eyes wide with horror.”
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