deer in the headlights
deer in the headlights · deer in the headlights
A person in a mental state of high arousal caused by anxiety, fear, panic, surprise,…A person in a mental state of high arousal caused by anxiety, fear, panic, surprise, confusion, or substance abuse.
Meaning
2 senses(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.
Origin
From the image of a deer caught in a car's headlights – wide-open eyes, lack of motor reacFrom the image of a deer caught in a car's headlights – wide-open eyes, lack of motor reactions, etc.
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