Fear Idioms

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scared stiff

Meaning: So afraid that you cannot move.

Example: She was scared stiff when she heard someone knocking at her window late at night. Read more ➺


lose nerve

Meaning: To become too scared or afraid to do something difficult or risky.

Example: You lost your nerve at the last minute and didn’t go through with the presentation. Read more ➺


show white feather

Meaning: To show cowardice or be easily frightened in a difficult situation.

Example: The politician showed white feather by avoiding tough questions during the debate. Read more ➺


make someone’s hair stand on end

Meaning: To cause someone to feel very frightened or terrified.

Example: Reading the ghost story late at night made his hair stand on end. Read more ➺


chicken out

Meaning: to decide not to do something because of fear or lack of courage.

Example: He planned to go bungee jumping but chickened out at the last minute. Read more ➺


chicken hearted

Meaning: not brave.

Example: Daisy was too chicken-hearted in the meeting to speak up, even though she knew the board was making the wrong decision. Read more ➺


scared to death

Meaning: to be extremely afraid or frightened.

Example: A shadow appeared in the doorway and scared me to death. Read more ➺


bundle of nerves

Meaning: anxious

Example: The robbery was a frightening experience. Since then, I have been a bundle of nerves. Read more ➺


faint of heart

Meaning: to not be strong enough to handle a situation.

Example: This movie is not for those who are faint of heart. You better go to bed right now. Read more ➺


cold sweat

Meaning: the condition where extreme fear or nervousness causes a person to feel a chill along with moist skin or sweat

Example: I woke up from a nightmare, breathing heavy and in cold sweat. Read more ➺


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