
Be riveted to the spot/ground
Intensity Required
Use the phrase when describing a moment of intense emotion, not just mild surprise or interest.

Hearing the verdict, she was riveted to the spot in disbelief.
Literary Use
Often found in literature to describe a character's reaction to a dramatic event.

In the novel, he was riveted to the ground when he spotted the dragon.
Not Literal
It's usually metaphorical; the person is not physically unable to move, just emotionally halted.

At her surprise party, Emma was riveted to the spot with joy.
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