Scare the shit out of somebody

usgb
phrase

To frighten someone very badly.

The loud noise in the dark room scared the shit out of me.
Visual representation of "scare the shit out of somebody" - To frighten someone very badly.

Often appears as...

  • the loud noise scared the shit out of me
  • you scared the shit out of me

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial

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

Very Informal

This phrase is very casual and can be inappropriate in formal or polite situations.

Illustration for Very Informal
I'd never use 'scared the shit out of me' in a job interview.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Intensity

Use it to express an extreme level of fear, more than just being 'scared'.

Illustration for Intensity
When I saw the spider, it scared the shit out of me.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Literal

It's a figure of speech for extreme fear, not to be taken literally.

Illustration for Not Literal
Hearing the ghost story around the campfire scared the shit out of me.
Visual representation of the word "Scare the shit out of somebody"

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