Be riveted to the spot/ground
phrase
To be so shocked, surprised, or frightened that you cannot move or react.
When he saw the ghost, he was riveted to the spot in fear.
Often appears as...
- riveted to the spot with fear
- riveted to the ground in shock
phrase
To be so shocked, surprised, or frightened that you cannot move or react.
When he saw the ghost, he was riveted to the spot in fear.
Often appears as...
- riveted to the spot with fear
- riveted to the ground in shock
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Intensity 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.
Pro Tip 2/3Literary 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.
Pro Tip 3/3Not 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.
Pro Tip 1/3Intensity 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.
Pro Tip 2/3Literary 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.
Pro Tip 3/3Not 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.
Pro Tip 1/3Intensity 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.
Pro Tip 2/3Literary 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.
Pro Tip 3/3Not 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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