Frighten one out of your wits Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To scare someone so much that they become extremely frightened or shocked. It means making someone feel intense fear, often suddenly.
Usage & Nuances
This is a strong, informal idiom for extreme fear, usually describing sudden, intense fright. Used figuratively and literally. Typical pattern: 'That movie frightened me out of my wits.' Common with 'scare' as 'scare (someone) out of their wits'. Not formal writing.
Example Sentences
The loud thunder frightened me out of my wits.
basic
The horror movie frightened her out of her wits.
basic
The dog suddenly barking frightened him out of his wits.
basic
When my phone rang in the dark, it frightened me out of my wits.
natural
Walking home alone at night sometimes frightens me out of my wits.
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The prank really frightened me out of my wits—my heart was racing!
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