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)

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

Synonyms

• rabbit in the headlights (UK, Australia)