Definition & Meaning of "White as a ghost"

(as) white as a ghost

/az wˈaɪt az ɐ ɡˈəʊst ʃˈiːt/

/æz wˈaɪt æz ɐ ɡˈoʊst ʃˈiːt/

(as) white as a ghost

PHRASE

used to refer to someone who looks unnaturally pale, often as a result of fear or illness

(as|) white as a (ghost|sheet) definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "white as a ghost" and when to use it?

The idiom "white as a ghost" originated from the association of the color white with a lack of color or pigmentation, similar to the pale appearance of a ghost. It is commonly used to emphasize a person's paleness due to fear, shock, illness, or a sudden loss of color.