Like a rabbit (caught) in (the) headlights In english explanation

The meaning, explanation, definition and origin of the idiom/phrase "like a rabbit (caught) in (the) headlights", English Idiom Dictionary ( also found in Vietnamese )

author Regina Tuyen Le calendar 2021-10-13 06:10

Meaning of Like a rabbit (caught) in (the) headlights

Variants:

like a deer (caught) in (the) headlights

Like a rabbit (caught) in (the) headlights simile

Being so scared, confused, and astonished that you can't think or do anything

Kevin was like a rabbit caught in the headlights during his presentation.

Olivia looked like a rabbit caught in the headlights before the dentist started to pull out her wisdom tooth.

She froze like a rabbit in the headlights when I caught her trying to steal money from my wallet.

Other phrases about:

Shaking Like a Leaf

To shake a lot due to the cold or fear

be all at sea

be confused about what to do

In a quandary

Unsure or confused.

in a daze

Not able to focus on something or feel confused because of being shocked or surprised

to scare the hell out of
To shock, surprise or frighten someone in a very sudden and severe way

Grammar and Usage of Like a rabbit (caught) in (the) headlights

Verb Forms

  • am/is like a rabbit (caught) in (the) headlights.
  • was like a rabbit (caught) in (the) headlights
  • has been a rabbit (caught) in (the) headlights
  • has frozen like a rabbit (caught) in (the) headlights
  • looks like a rabbit (caught) in (the) headlights
  • looked like a rabbit (caught) in (the) headlights
  • has looked like a rabbit (caught) in (the) headlights
  • froze like a rabbit (caught) in (the) headlights

Some verbs can precede "like a rabbit (caught) in (the) headlights" such as be, freeze, or look. These verbs should be conjugated according to their tenses.

 

Origin of Like a rabbit (caught) in (the) headlights

This phrase originated in the 1980s. This refers to the animal such as deer or rabbits. They sometimes stand still on the road because they do not know which direction to move when the light from the vehicle's headlights suddenly hits on them at night.

The Origin Cited: Internet .
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TODAY
the straw that broke the donkey's back

Used to allude that the last force, problem or burden which is seemingly minor and small causes a person, system or organisation to collapse or fail

Example:

Her husband's violent act last night was the straw that broke the donkey's back and she left him

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