deer in the headlights

English

Etymology

From the image of a deer caught in a car's headlights – wide-open eyes, lack of motor reactions, etc.

Pronunciation

Audio (AU) (file)

Noun

deer in the headlights (plural deer in the headlights)

(idiomatic) A person in a mental state of high arousal caused by anxiety, fear, panic, surprise and/or confusion, or substance abuse.
(idiomatic) A person with a stunned or glazed expression.

Synonyms

rabbit in the headlights (UK, Australia)

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