deer in the headlights
English
editEtymology
editFrom the image of a deer caught in a car's headlights – wide-open eyes, lack of motor reactions, etc.
Pronunciation
editAudio (General Australian): (file)
Noun
editdeer in the headlights (plural deer in the headlights)
- (idiomatic) A person in a mental state of high arousal caused by anxiety, fear, panic, surprise , confusion, or substance abuse.
- (idiomatic) A person with a stunned or glazed expression.
Alternative forms
editSynonyms
edit- rabbit in the headlights (UK, Australia)
References
edit- “deer in the headlights”, in OneLook Dictionary Search.