one's blood runs cold

The phrase "one's blood runs cold" vividly describes an intense reaction to fear or horror, often used in storytelling to evoke a strong emotional response.

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Definition

B2General

(idiomatic)To feel a sudden, intense fear or shock.

Example

  • My blood ran cold when I heard the eerie footsteps behind me.
  • Her blood ran cold at the sight of the shadowy figure in the dark alley.

B2Emotional Response

(idiomatic)To experience a chilling sensation due to extreme fright or horror.

Example

  • His blood ran cold as he read the threatening letter.
  • The thought of the haunted house made her blood run cold.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "one's blood runs cold":

someone's blood runs coldfreezing coldhave one's heart in one's bootscold fish