1. Home
2. Idioms
3. scared stiff

scared stiff

---

---

scared stiff

Fig. badly frightened. We were scared stiff by the robber. I was scared stiff when the dog growled at me.

See also: scare, stiff

scared stiff

extremely frightened Jill awoke from a dream that left her afraid - scared stiff, in fact.

Etymology: from the idea that you are stiff (unable to bend or change your position) because you are too frightened to move

See also: scare, stiff

scared stiff

mod. frightened; unable to move from fear. The poor little kid stood there—scared stiff. I was scared stiff for hours after the accident.

See also: scare, stiff