scare the (living) daylights out of somebody

Definiția și Sensul lui "scare the (living) daylights out of somebody "

to scare the (living) daylights out of somebody

EXPRESIE

to shock or frighten someone very suddenly or severely

to [scare|freighten] the (living|) daylights out of {sb} definition and meaning

Idiom

Informal

What is the origin of the idiom "scare the daylights out of someone" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "scare the daylights out of someone" is not entirely clear. It is believed to have emerged in the late 19th or early 20th century. The word "daylights" in this phrase refers to the idea of one's consciousness or vital energy. This expression is used in different situations to describe when something or someone frightens another person intensely. It's commonly used in casual conversations, storytelling, or informal writing.

Example

The sudden loud noise from the fireworks scared the daylights out of me.

Horror movies always scare the living daylights out of my sister.

The haunted house we visited last Halloween scared the daylights out of everyone.

beat the (living) daylights out of somebody

to beat the (living) daylights out of somebody

EXPRESIE

to physically attack someone with a great deal of force, causing them harm or injury

to [beat|knock] the (living|) daylights out of {sb} definition and meaning

Idiom

Informal

What is the origin of the idiom "beat the daylights out of someone" and when to use it?

The idiom "beat the daylights out of someone" is an informal expression originating in the early 20th century. It is used metaphorically to describe a severe beating or thrashing that causes someone to lose consciousness or become severely injured.

Example

By the time the police arrived, the attacker had already knocked the daylights out of the victim and fled the scene.

I ca n't believe he's been beating the living daylights out of his employees for years without anyone noticing.

If you do n't stop harassing her, her brother will come and beat the living daylights out of you.

to thoroughly beat someone, particularly in a contest

Disapproving

Idiom

Informal

What is the origin of the idiom "beat the daylights out of someone" and when to use it?

The idiom "beat the daylights out of someone" is typically used in the context of physical violence, where one person is assaulting another. It does not necessarily connote victory or defeat in a broader sense, but rather the act of inflicting physical harm. However, in some contexts, the phrase can be used metaphorically to connote a one-sided victory or defeat in a competition or conflict.

Example

The company's new product line beat the living daylights out of the competition in sales last quarter.

The debate team from the prestigious university knocked the living daylights out of the underdog team from the community college.

The home team really beat the daylights out of the visiting team, winning by 30 points.