Frighten/scare the life out of somebody

usgb
phrase

To make person very frightened or scared.

The sudden loud noise frightened the life out of me
Visual representation of "frighten/scare the life out of somebody" - To make person very frightened or scared

Often appears as...

  • you scared the life out of me
  • they frightened the life out of me

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "frighten/scare the life out of somebody"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Intensity

Used for situations of extreme fear, not just mild surprise.

Illustration for Intensity
The horror movie scared the life out of me.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Figurative

It's an expression, meaning no one actually loses their life from fear.

Illustration for Figurative
You jumping out at me scared the life out of me!
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Informal

Common in casual speech but not suitable for formal situations.

Illustration for Informal
She scared the life out of me, sneaking up like that!
Visual representation of the word "Frighten/scare the life out of somebody"

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