Be scared/bored witless
phrase
To be extremely frightened or bored.
When the lights went out, I was scared witless.
Often appears as...
- it scared me witless
- i was bored witless
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
phrase
To be extremely frightened or bored.
When the lights went out, I was scared witless.
Often appears as...
- it scared me witless
- i was bored witless
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Intensity Emphasis
The phrase intensifies the feeling of fear or boredom beyond the ordinary level.
When faced with the haunted house, she was scared witless.
Pro Tip 2/3Colloquial Usage
It's informal and best used in casual conversation or creative writing.
During the dull lecture, he whispered to me that he was bored witless.
Pro Tip 3/3Hyperbole
This phrase is a hyperbole, exaggerating for effect, not meant to be taken literally.
At the sight of the spider, I was scared witless.
Pro Tip 1/3Intensity Emphasis
The phrase intensifies the feeling of fear or boredom beyond the ordinary level.
When faced with the haunted house, she was scared witless.
Pro Tip 2/3Colloquial Usage
It's informal and best used in casual conversation or creative writing.
During the dull lecture, he whispered to me that he was bored witless.
Pro Tip 3/3Hyperbole
This phrase is a hyperbole, exaggerating for effect, not meant to be taken literally.
At the sight of the spider, I was scared witless.
Pro Tip 1/3Intensity Emphasis
The phrase intensifies the feeling of fear or boredom beyond the ordinary level.
When faced with the haunted house, she was scared witless.
Pro Tip 2/3Colloquial Usage
It's informal and best used in casual conversation or creative writing.
During the dull lecture, he whispered to me that he was bored witless.
Pro Tip 3/3Hyperbole
This phrase is a hyperbole, exaggerating for effect, not meant to be taken literally.
At the sight of the spider, I was scared witless.
Never forget "Be scared/bored witless"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension