deer in the headlights
The phrase "deer in the headlights" originates from the tendency of deer to freeze when caught in the headlights of an oncoming vehicle, reflecting a state of shock or confusion.
🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
B2General
(idiomatic)A state of being so surprised or frightened that one is unable to move or react.
Example
- When the teacher called on him unexpectedly, he looked like a deer in the headlights.
B2General
(idiomatic)A look of stunned or confused paralysis, often due to unexpected circumstances.
Example
- She had a deer in the headlights expression when she heard the news.