scare / freighten the (living) daylights out of sb

/skˈeə fɹˈeɪtən ðə lˈɪvɪŋ dˈeɪlaɪts ˌaʊtəv ˌɛsbˈiː/

/skˈɛɹ fɹˈeɪʔn̩ ðə lˈɪvɪŋ dˈeɪlaɪts ˌaʊɾəv ˌɛsbˈiː/

[phrase]

to scare / freighten the (living) daylights out of sb

[PHRASE]

to shock or frighten someone very suddenly or severely

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

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.

beat / knock the (living) daylights out of sb

/bˈiːt nˈɒk ðə lˈɪvɪŋ dˈeɪlaɪts ˌaʊtəv ˌɛsbˈiː/

/bˈiːt nˈɑːk ðə lˈɪvɪŋ dˈeɪlaɪts ˌaʊɾəv ˌɛsbˈiː/

[phrase]

to beat / knock the (living) daylights out of sb

[PHRASE]

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

to thoroughly beat someone, particularly in a contest

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.

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