deer in the headlights
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English[edit]
Etymology[edit]
From the image of a deer caught in a car's headlights – wide-open eyes, lack of motor reactions, etc.
Pronunciation[edit]
Audio (AU) (file)
Noun[edit]
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 , confusion, or substance abuse.
- (idiomatic) A person with a stunned or glazed expression.
Alternative forms[edit]
Synonyms[edit]
- rabbit in the headlights (UK, Australia)
References[edit]
- “deer in the headlights”, in OneLook Dictionary Search.