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.
To shake a lot due to the cold or fear
be confused about what to do
Unsure or confused.
Not able to focus on something or feel confused because of being shocked or surprised
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.
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.
To be very wet
Because of forgetting bringing an umbrella, I look like a drowned rat when it rains.