Make somebody’s hair stand on end

usgb
phrase

To greatly frighten or horrify someone.

The ghost story she told was enough to make your hair stand on end.
Visual representation of "make somebody’s hair stand on end" - To greatly frighten or horrify someone

Often appears as...

  • make my hair stand on end
  • makes her hair stand on end

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "make somebody’s hair stand on end"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Intense Fear

Describes a reaction to something extremely frightening or shocking.

Illustration for Intense Fear
The haunted house at the fair is sure to make your hair stand on end.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Physical Reaction

Implies a physical response to fear, similar to goosebumps.

Illustration for Physical Reaction
Hearing the eerie cry in the night made her hair stand on end.
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Not Literal

It's a figurative expression and doesn't mean hair actually stands up.

Illustration for Not Literal
His creepy story made my hair stand on end, but it was just a feeling.
Visual representation of the word "Make somebody’s hair stand on end"

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