Frighten/scare the life out of somebody
phrase
To make person very frightened or scared.
The sudden loud noise frightened the life out of me
Often appears as...
- you scared the life out of me
- they frightened the life out of me
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To make person very frightened or scared.
The sudden loud noise frightened the life out of me
Often appears as...
- you scared the life out of me
- they frightened the life out of me
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Intensity
Used for situations of extreme fear, not just mild surprise.
The horror movie scared the life out of me.
Pro Tip 2/3Figurative
It's an expression, meaning no one actually loses their life from fear.
You jumping out at me scared the life out of me!
Pro Tip 3/3Informal
Common in casual speech but not suitable for formal situations.
She scared the life out of me, sneaking up like that!
Pro Tip 1/3Intensity
Used for situations of extreme fear, not just mild surprise.
The horror movie scared the life out of me.
Pro Tip 2/3Figurative
It's an expression, meaning no one actually loses their life from fear.
You jumping out at me scared the life out of me!
Pro Tip 3/3Informal
Common in casual speech but not suitable for formal situations.
She scared the life out of me, sneaking up like that!
Pro Tip 1/3Intensity
Used for situations of extreme fear, not just mild surprise.
The horror movie scared the life out of me.
Pro Tip 2/3Figurative
It's an expression, meaning no one actually loses their life from fear.
You jumping out at me scared the life out of me!
Pro Tip 3/3Informal
Common in casual speech but not suitable for formal situations.
She scared the life out of me, sneaking up like that!
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