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shiver / chill down / up one's spine

British pronunciation/ʃˈɪvəɹ ɔː tʃˈɪl dˌaʊn ɔːɹ ˌʌp wˈɒnz spˈaɪn/
American pronunciation/ʃˈɪvɚɹ ɔːɹ tʃˈɪl dˌaʊn ɔːɹ ˌʌp wˈʌnz spˈaɪn/
shiver / chill down / up one's spine
[PHRASE]
1

a sudden physical reaction to a strong emotional experience, such as fear, excitement, or awe, typically characterized by a cold or trembling sensation running down the back

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[shiver|chill] (down|up) {one's} spine definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "shiver down one's spine" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "shiver down one's spine" likely stems from the physiological response of shivering or experiencing chills when one feels cold or frightened. The sensory nerves along the spine can transmit signals that produce a shivering sensation, and this physical reaction is often associated with strong emotions such as fear, excitement, or anticipation. It can also be used to describe intense moments of excitement or awe, such as experiencing a breathtaking performance or witnessing a remarkable event.

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