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English Idioms about "Emotions"

Jump out of your skin

English Idiom

Meaning: To be extremely surprised or suddenly frightened by something unexpected. It's a reaction that makes you feel like you've physically leaped out of your body.
Origin: The idiom 'jump out of your skin' dates back to the early 19th century. It's believed to have originated from the vivid imagery of someone reacting so suddenly to a shock or fright that it appears as though their very essence has leaped out of their body, leaving their skin behind. This colorful expression captures the intensity of the surprise or fear experienced.
Shocked boy with a fearful expression reaching out in black and white illustration style against a plain background
OpenAI's DALL-E generated image

Examples

  • When the fireworks went off unexpectedly, I nearly jumped out of my skin.
  • The sudden appearance of the clown made the kids jump out of their skins.
  • Hearing a loud bang in the middle of the night made her jump out of her skin.
  • He almost jumped out of his skin when the snake slithered across his path.
  • The surprise party was so unexpected that she jumped out of her skin when everyone yelled 'Surprise!'
  • Seeing a ghostly figure in the hallway made him jump out of his skin.
  • The car backfiring in the quiet street made me jump out of my skin.
  • When his phone rang loudly during the quiet meeting, he jumped out of his skin.
  • The sudden alarm in the museum caused everyone to jump out of their skins.
  • She jumped out of her skin when the cat suddenly pounced from behind the curtain.