make someone’s hair stand on end
make someone’s hair stand on end (hyperbole)
/meɪk ˈsʌmwʌnz hɛr stænd ɑn ɛnd/
Variants
- make one’s hair stand up
- make one’s hair curl
Meaning
- To cause someone to feel very frightened or terrified.
- To shock or horrify someone intensely.
- To evoke a strong feeling of fear or alarm in someone.
- Produce an extreme sense of fear or shock.
Example Sentences
- Reading the ghost story late at night made his hair stand on end.
- The eerie silence in the abandoned house made her hair stand on end.
- The unexpected scream from the dark alley made my hair stand on end.
- Watching the horror movie alone made their hair stand on end.
- The chilling news report made everyone’s hair stand on end.
Origin and History
The phrase “make someone’s hair stand on end” originates from the body’s natural response to fear or cold, known as piloerection or goosebumps. This reaction causes hair follicles to contract, making the hair appear to stand upright.
Literary Origins
The earliest recorded use of this expression dates back to Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” (1602), where the ghost describes a tale that would “make thy two eyes, like stars, start from their spheres… and each particular hair to stand on end.” This vivid imagery illustrates the profound impact of fear on the human body.
Earlier References
Prior to Shakespeare, the concept was mentioned in the Bible, in the Book of Job 4:15, which describes a spirit passing by, causing the hair of the narrator’s flesh to stand up. This indicates that the association between fear and hair standing on end was recognized long before it became an idiom.
Evolution of the Phrase
Over time, the phrase evolved to describe not only physical reactions but also intense emotional responses to frightening or shocking situations. Its usage expanded in literature and everyday language, cementing its place as a common idiom to express extreme fear or horror.
Synonyms
- make one’s blood run cold
- give someone the creeps
- send shivers down one’s spine
- frighten the life out of someone
- scare someone out of their wits
Conclusion
The idiom “make someone’s hair stand on end” has deep roots in human physiological responses and has been vividly captured in literary works for centuries. Its enduring usage underscores the universal nature of fear and the expressive power of language in conveying such primal emotions.
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