In the USA, people often use colorful expressions to talk about being scared. These expressions, called idioms, make conversations more interesting and easier to picture. Instead of just saying “I’m scared,” someone might say “I was shaking in my boots.” These phrases can turn a simple sentence into something more vivid and fun to hear.
Idioms about fear have been passed down for years. Many of them come from old stories, daily life, or even historical events. They help people share their feelings in a way others can quickly understand. Whether you’re talking about a spooky movie or a real-life moment that made your heart race, these idioms can help paint the picture. In this article, we’ll explore 58 common idioms Americans use to describe being scared.
Idioms About Scared
1. Shake in your boots
Meaning: To be very nervous or frightened.
Example Sentence:
• I was shaking in my boots before my first big speech.
• He shook in his boots when he saw the bear at the campsite.
Other ways to say: Tremble with fear, quake with fear
Fun Fact/Origin: This comes from the idea that being very scared can make your legs shake so much it feels like your boots are moving.
Usage: Used when someone is visibly nervous or scared.
2. Scared stiff
Meaning: So frightened that you cannot move.
Example Sentence:
• I was scared stiff when I heard footsteps in the empty house.
• She stood scared stiff as the dog ran toward her.
Other ways to say: Frozen with fear, paralyzed with fear
Fun Fact/Origin: The term compares fear to stiffness in the body, as if muscles lock up when frightened.
Usage: Used when fear stops someone from moving or acting.
3. Jump out of your skin
Meaning: To be startled or shocked suddenly.
Example Sentence:
• I nearly jumped out of my skin when the fire alarm went off.
• He jumped out of his skin when his friend popped out from behind the door.
Other ways to say: Be startled, leap in fright
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from the exaggerated idea that a sudden scare can make someone “leap” right out of their body.
Usage: Used when something surprises or startles a person suddenly.
4. Scared to death
Meaning: Extremely frightened.
Example Sentence:
• I was scared to death when I thought I lost my wallet.
• She’s scared to death of flying.
Other ways to say: Terrified, petrified
Fun Fact/Origin: This is an exaggeration, not literal — meant to show the intensity of fear.
Usage: Used for strong, overwhelming fear.
5. Heart in your mouth
Meaning: To feel very nervous or anxious about something.
Example Sentence:
• My heart was in my mouth during the whole roller coaster ride.
• She had her heart in her mouth waiting for the test results.
Other ways to say: Nervous, tense
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from the feeling that your heart is pounding so hard it’s “in your throat.”
Usage: Used when waiting for something nerve-racking to happen.
6. Hair stood on end
Meaning: To feel extremely frightened.
Example Sentence:
• My hair stood on end when I heard the strange noise outside.
• His hair stood on end during the ghost story.
Other ways to say: Got chills, goosebumps
Fun Fact/Origin: Fear can cause tiny muscles at the base of hairs to contract, making hair stand up.
Usage: Used for creepy or chilling moments.
7. Freak out
Meaning: To react wildly out of fear or shock.
Example Sentence:
• I freaked out when I saw a snake in the bathroom.
• She freaked out after hearing the loud crash.
Other ways to say: Panic, lose it
Fun Fact/Origin: Popularized in the USA during the 1960s to describe emotional outbursts.
Usage: Used for sudden emotional reactions to fear or surprise.
8. Get the jitters
Meaning: To feel nervous or uneasy.
Example Sentence:
• I always get the jitters before a big test.
• She got the jitters before going on stage.
Other ways to say: Be nervous, get butterflies
Fun Fact/Origin: The “jitters” refers to shaky movements caused by anxiety.
Usage: Often used for mild nervousness before an event.
9. Scared out of your wits
Meaning: Extremely frightened, to the point of losing your senses.
Example Sentence:
• He was scared out of his wits when the power went out.
• I was scared out of my wits walking home alone at night.
Other ways to say: Terrified, frightened silly
Fun Fact/Origin: “Wits” refers to common sense or thinking ability — fear can make you lose them.
Usage: Used when fear is overwhelming.
10. Give someone the creeps
Meaning: To make someone feel uneasy or afraid.
Example Sentence:
• That abandoned house gives me the creeps.
• He gives me the creeps when he stares like that.
Other ways to say: Make uneasy, make skin crawl
Fun Fact/Origin: “Creeps” refers to the crawling feeling on your skin when uncomfortable.
Usage: Used when something or someone feels spooky or strange.
11. Goosebumps
Meaning: Small bumps on the skin caused by fear, cold, or excitement.
Example Sentence:
• I got goosebumps during the scary movie.
• She had goosebumps when she heard the eerie sound.
Other ways to say: Chills, shivers
Fun Fact/Origin: Goosebumps are a real body reaction when hair stands up, like on a goose’s skin.
Usage: Used when fear or excitement causes a physical reaction.
12. Break into a cold sweat
Meaning: To start sweating from fear or nervousness.
Example Sentence:
• I broke into a cold sweat before my driving test.
• He broke into a cold sweat when the teacher called on him.
Other ways to say: Sweat nervously, feel clammy
Fun Fact/Origin: Fear triggers adrenaline, which can cause sweating even if it’s not hot.
Usage: Used for intense nervousness or panic.
13. Scare the daylights out of someone
Meaning: To frighten someone badly.
Example Sentence:
• That loud noise scared the daylights out of me.
• She scared the daylights out of her brother with that prank.
Other ways to say: Terrify, startle badly
Fun Fact/Origin: “Daylights” here means senses — as if fear could knock them away.
Usage: Used for sudden and extreme scares.
14. Like a deer in headlights
Meaning: To be frozen with fear or surprise.
Example Sentence:
• He stood like a deer in headlights when the ball came at him.
• I was like a deer in headlights when I saw the police car.
Other ways to say: Paralyzed with fear, frozen on the spot
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to how deer freeze when caught in car headlights.
Usage: Used when someone is caught off guard and can’t react.
15. Afraid of your own shadow
Meaning: Very easily frightened.
Example Sentence:
• He’s so jumpy, he’s afraid of his own shadow.
• She’s afraid of her own shadow when watching scary movies.
Other ways to say: Overly jumpy, easily spooked
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to someone so timid they’d fear something harmless like a shadow.
Usage: Used for people who get scared over little things.
16. On pins and needles
Meaning: Feeling nervous or anxious about something.
Example Sentence:
• I was on pins and needles waiting for the results.
• They were on pins and needles before the game started.
Other ways to say: Nervous, uneasy
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase compares nervousness to the pricking feeling of pins.
Usage: Used when waiting for something important or stressful.
17. Afraid for your life
Meaning: Terrified for personal safety.
Example Sentence:
• He was afraid for his life during the storm.
• She was afraid for her life when the car skidded.
Other ways to say: Fear for survival, scared badly
Fun Fact/Origin: Commonly used in dangerous or life-threatening situations.
Usage: Used when danger feels real and personal.
18. Send shivers down your spine
Meaning: To cause fear or excitement.
Example Sentence:
• That ghost story sent shivers down my spine.
• The howl of the wolf sent shivers down her spine.
Other ways to say: Give chills, make skin crawl
Fun Fact/Origin: The spine is linked to nerve responses that cause a shiver.
Usage: Used for scary or thrilling moments.
19. Spooked
Meaning: Frightened suddenly.
Example Sentence:
• The horse spooked when it heard the loud noise.
• I got spooked walking alone at night.
Other ways to say: Startled, scared
Fun Fact/Origin: Popular in cowboy and horse-riding language in the USA.
Usage: Used for quick, unexpected scares.
20. Shaken up
Meaning: Disturbed or upset by a shock.
Example Sentence:
• She was shaken up after the car accident.
• He was shaken up by the strange phone call.
Other ways to say: Disturbed, rattled
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea of being physically shaken after fear.
Usage: Used for emotional upset after a scary event.
21. Petrified
Meaning: Extremely frightened to the point of being unable to move.
Example Sentence:
• He was petrified when he saw the snake.
• I was petrified during the horror movie.
Other ways to say: Frozen, terrified
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from “petra,” meaning rock — frozen like stone.
Usage: Used for extreme fear.
22. Jumpy
Meaning: Easily startled.
Example Sentence:
• He’s been jumpy ever since watching that horror film.
• She’s jumpy when the door slams.
Other ways to say: Skittish, nervous
Fun Fact/Origin: Describes quick, sudden reactions like a startled jump.
Usage: Used when someone reacts nervously to small things.
23. A bundle of nerves
Meaning: Very nervous or anxious.
Example Sentence:
• I was a bundle of nerves before the interview.
• She’s a bundle of nerves before any big performance.
Other ways to say: Very tense, wound up
Fun Fact/Origin: Compares a person’s tension to a tight bundle.
Usage: Used for people full of nervous energy.
24. Creeped out
Meaning: Feeling uneasy or scared.
Example Sentence:
• I was creeped out by the strange noises.
• That old doll creeps me out.
Other ways to say: Unnerved, spooked
Fun Fact/Origin: A “creepy” feeling comes from old English meaning ‘to crawl,’ like skin crawling.
Usage: Used for spooky or strange situations.
25. Have cold feet
Meaning: To feel nervous before doing something important.
Example Sentence:
• He got cold feet before the wedding.
• She had cold feet about moving to a new city.
Other ways to say: Lose nerve, hesitate
Fun Fact/Origin: Possibly comes from the physical chill when blood flow changes under stress.
Usage: Used for backing out of something due to fear.
26. In a panic
Meaning: Overcome with sudden fear.
Example Sentence:
• I was in a panic when I couldn’t find my passport.
• She went into a panic when the fire alarm rang.
Other ways to say: Freak out, lose control
Fun Fact/Origin: “Panic” comes from the Greek god Pan, whose shout scared people.
Usage: Used for sudden fear reactions.
27. Quaking
Meaning: Shaking from fear.
Example Sentence:
• He was quaking when he faced the principal.
• I was quaking before my speech.
Other ways to say: Trembling, shivering
Fun Fact/Origin: “Quake” means to shake violently, often from fear.
Usage: Used for visible trembling from fright.
28. Trembling like a leaf
Meaning: Shaking badly from fear.
Example Sentence:
• She was trembling like a leaf in the cold wind.
• He trembled like a leaf during the police questioning.
Other ways to say: Shaking, quivering
Fun Fact/Origin: Compares to leaves moving in the wind.
Usage: Used for strong, visible shaking.
29. Nervous wreck
Meaning: A person extremely worried or stressed.
Example Sentence:
• I was a nervous wreck before my test.
• He’s been a nervous wreck since the accident.
Other ways to say: Overly anxious, stressed out
Fun Fact/Origin: “Wreck” refers to something damaged — stress can feel damaging.
Usage: Used for people under heavy mental strain.
30. Run scared
Meaning: To act fearfully or avoid something out of fear.
Example Sentence:
• He’s been running scared since the rumor started.
• The team ran scared after losing twice.
Other ways to say: Act cautiously, shy away
Fun Fact/Origin: Popular in sports and politics in the USA.
Usage: Used for avoiding challenges due to fear.
31. Scared silly
Meaning: Extremely frightened, often to the point of acting irrationally.
Example Sentence:
• The thunderstorm scared me silly.
• She was scared silly when she saw the shadow move.
Other ways to say: Terrified, scared witless
Fun Fact/Origin: The “silly” part is an exaggeration, meaning fear makes you act without thinking.
Usage: Used when fear overwhelms logic.
32. Spinning like a top
Meaning: Feeling dizzy or confused from fear or panic.
Example Sentence:
• His head was spinning like a top after the loud explosion.
• I was spinning like a top when the alarm went off.
Other ways to say: Disoriented, light-headed
Fun Fact/Origin: Compares confusion to a child’s toy spinning rapidly.
Usage: Used when fear causes mental or physical confusion.
33. Lose your nerve
Meaning: To become too scared to continue something.
Example Sentence:
• He lost his nerve and canceled the trip.
• I almost lost my nerve before my big speech.
Other ways to say: Back out, chicken out
Fun Fact/Origin: “Nerve” here means courage — losing it means losing bravery.
Usage: Used when fear stops a planned action.
34. Heart skips a beat
Meaning: A sudden feeling of shock, fear, or surprise.
Example Sentence:
• My heart skipped a beat when the phone rang at midnight.
• Her heart skipped a beat when she saw the spider.
Other ways to say: Be startled, get a fright
Fun Fact/Origin: Describes the racing feeling in your chest after a scare.
Usage: Used for quick scares or surprises.
35. Scaredy-cat
Meaning: A person who is easily frightened.
Example Sentence:
• Don’t be such a scaredy-cat — it’s just a movie.
• He’s a scaredy-cat when it comes to roller coasters.
Other ways to say: Coward, chicken
Fun Fact/Origin: Popular with kids, based on the image of a jumpy cat.
Usage: Light, playful way to call someone fearful.
36. Jittery
Meaning: Nervous and unable to stay still.
Example Sentence:
• I get jittery before speaking in public.
• He was jittery waiting for the call.
Other ways to say: Restless, shaky
Fun Fact/Origin: Related to “jitters,” meaning shaky movements from nerves.
Usage: Used for anxious physical reactions.
37. Nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs
Meaning: Extremely nervous and jumpy.
Example Sentence:
• He was as nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs before the interview.
• I felt like a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs during the exam.
Other ways to say: Very jumpy, uneasy
Fun Fact/Origin: Old American saying — rocking chairs could “trap” a cat’s tail, so it would be extra alert.
Usage: Used for very high nervousness.
38. White as a sheet
Meaning: Very pale from shock or fear.
Example Sentence:
• She went white as a sheet when she saw the snake.
• He turned white as a sheet after the near accident.
Other ways to say: Pale-faced, ashen
Fun Fact/Origin: Fear can make blood drain from the face, causing paleness.
Usage: Used for visible fear reactions.
39. Eyes like saucers
Meaning: Eyes opened wide in surprise or fear.
Example Sentence:
• His eyes were like saucers when the lights went out.
• She had eyes like saucers during the ghost story.
Other ways to say: Wide-eyed, shocked
Fun Fact/Origin: Compares large, round eyes to saucers used for tea cups.
Usage: Used for moments of shock or fear.
40. Sweating bullets
Meaning: Sweating heavily from stress or fear.
Example Sentence:
• He was sweating bullets before his speech.
• I was sweating bullets waiting for the doctor’s results.
Other ways to say: Very nervous, dripping sweat
Fun Fact/Origin: An exaggeration — sweat drops compared to heavy “bullets.”
Usage: Used for extreme nervousness.
41. Frozen in your tracks
Meaning: To stop suddenly due to fear.
Example Sentence:
• I froze in my tracks when I saw the bear.
• She was frozen in her tracks by the sound.
Other ways to say: Stand still in fear, paralyzed
Fun Fact/Origin: Describes someone halting completely, like prey avoiding predators.
Usage: Used for moments when fear stops movement.
42. Shaking like a leaf
Meaning: Trembling from fear.
Example Sentence:
• I was shaking like a leaf during the haunted house tour.
• He shook like a leaf after the accident.
Other ways to say: Quivering, trembling
Fun Fact/Origin: Compares trembling to how leaves shake in the wind.
Usage: Used for visible fear trembling.
43. Get the willies
Meaning: To feel uneasy or scared.
Example Sentence:
• That creepy basement gives me the willies.
• He got the willies walking down the dark alley.
Other ways to say: Feel creeped out, get chills
Fun Fact/Origin: “Willies” is old slang for nervous feelings.
Usage: Used for mild, creepy fear.
44. Break out in a sweat
Meaning: Start sweating from nervousness or fear.
Example Sentence:
• I broke out in a sweat before my turn on stage.
• He broke out in a sweat when the teacher called his name.
Other ways to say: Start sweating, perspire from nerves
Fun Fact/Origin: Linked to adrenaline response in stressful moments.
Usage: Used for nervous physical symptoms.
45. Gooseflesh
Meaning: Small bumps on skin caused by fear or cold.
Example Sentence:
• I got gooseflesh listening to that scary story.
• The cold wind gave me gooseflesh.
Other ways to say: Goosebumps, chill bumps
Fun Fact/Origin: British English often says “gooseflesh,” Americans say “goosebumps.”
Usage: Used for physical reaction to fear.
46. Heart pounding
Meaning: A rapid heartbeat from fear or excitement.
Example Sentence:
• My heart was pounding as I walked into the dark room.
• His heart pounded during the scary scene.
Other ways to say: Racing heart, heartbeat thudding
Fun Fact/Origin: Fear activates the “fight or flight” response, increasing heart rate.
Usage: Used for intense, short-term fear.
47. Uneasy feeling
Meaning: A sense that something is wrong.
Example Sentence:
• I had an uneasy feeling walking into the old house.
• She felt uneasy when the man followed her.
Other ways to say: Nervous, suspicious
Fun Fact/Origin: Often used in mystery and crime storytelling.
Usage: Used for low-level but constant worry.
48. Goose pimples
Meaning: Small bumps on the skin from fear or cold.
Example Sentence:
• That music gives me goose pimples.
• I got goose pimples during the tense moment.
Other ways to say: Goosebumps, chill bumps
Fun Fact/Origin: Same physical reaction as goosebumps; another regional term.
Usage: Used for creepy or exciting moments.
49. Out of your mind with fear
Meaning: So scared that you can’t think clearly.
Example Sentence:
• I was out of my mind with fear when the lights went out.
• He was out of his mind with fear after getting lost.
Other ways to say: Terrified, panic-stricken
Fun Fact/Origin: Means fear has taken over logical thinking.
Usage: Used for overwhelming fright.
50. Spooked like a horse
Meaning: Startled suddenly.
Example Sentence:
• She was spooked like a horse by the loud bang.
• He spooked like a horse when the phone rang.
Other ways to say: Startled, jumped
Fun Fact/Origin: Horses are known for sudden, jumpy reactions.
Usage: Used for instant fright.
51. Blood runs cold
Meaning: To feel sudden fear or horror.
Example Sentence:
• My blood ran cold when I heard the scream.
• His blood ran cold at the bad news.
Other ways to say: Chill to the bone, shiver with fear
Fun Fact/Origin: Fear can cause a drop in skin temperature, feeling “cold.”
Usage: Used for shocking, scary events.
52. Quiver in your boots
Meaning: Shake from fear.
Example Sentence:
• He quivered in his boots before meeting the boss.
• I was quivering in my boots during the test.
Other ways to say: Tremble, shake
Fun Fact/Origin: Similar to “shake in your boots,” common in Western movies.
Usage: Used for visible fear.
53. Uneasy as a cat in a dog pound
Meaning: Extremely uncomfortable and nervous.
Example Sentence:
• I felt uneasy as a cat in a dog pound during the meeting.
• He was uneasy as a cat in a dog pound at the party.
Other ways to say: Nervous, uncomfortable
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the natural fear cats have of dogs.
Usage: Used for tense, awkward situations.
54. Cold shiver
Meaning: A shudder from fear or discomfort.
Example Sentence:
• A cold shiver ran down my back during the ghost story.
• The news sent a cold shiver through me.
Other ways to say: Chill, shudder
Fun Fact/Origin: Shivers are a natural response to strong emotions or cold.
Usage: Used for creepy, scary feelings.
55. Hair-raising
Meaning: Very frightening or exciting.
Example Sentence:
• The car chase was hair-raising.
• That was a hair-raising ride at the amusement park.
Other ways to say: Thrilling, terrifying
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from hair standing on end when scared.
Usage: Used for thrilling but scary moments.
56. Shudder
Meaning: To shake suddenly from fear or cold.
Example Sentence:
• I shuddered when I heard the glass break.
• She shuddered at the creepy noise.
Other ways to say: Tremble, quiver
Fun Fact/Origin: Describes a quick, uncontrollable shake.
Usage: Used for quick reactions to fear.
57. Afraid to put a foot wrong
Meaning: Too nervous to make a mistake.
Example Sentence:
• I was afraid to put a foot wrong at my new job.
• He’s afraid to put a foot wrong around his strict coach.
Other ways to say: Overly cautious, careful out of fear
Fun Fact/Origin: From walking carefully to avoid danger.
Usage: Used for fear of mistakes.
58. Have the heebie-jeebies
Meaning: To feel nervous or creeped out.
Example Sentence:
• That clown gives me the heebie-jeebies.
• I get the heebie-jeebies walking through the woods at night.
Other ways to say: Get creeped out, feel uneasy
Fun Fact/Origin: American slang popularized in the 1920s by a comic strip.
Usage: Used for mild but persistent creepy feelings.
Quiz: Idioms About Scared
Instruction: Choose the correct meaning for each idiom. Only one answer is correct.
Question Key
1. If someone is “shaking in their boots,” what are they doing?
A) Dancing happily
B) Very scared or nervous
C) Walking in new shoes
2. If a movie “scared the daylights out of you,” what does it mean?
A) It was boring
B) It frightened you a lot
C) It made you sleepy
3. What does “on pins and needles” mean?
A) Waiting nervously for something
B) Sewing clothes
C) Sitting uncomfortably
4. If your “hair stood on end,” what happened?
A) You got a haircut
B) You were very scared
C) You brushed your hair
5. When someone is “frozen in their tracks,” what are they doing?
A) Standing still from fear
B) Playing a game
C) Walking carefully on ice
6. What does “get the jitters” mean?
A) Feel nervous
B) Drink coffee
C) Be excited
7. If your “heart skips a beat,” what does it mean?
A) You are tired
B) You felt sudden fear or surprise
C) You are exercising
8. If someone calls you a “scaredy-cat,” what are they saying?
A) You like cats
B) You are easily scared
C) You act like a cat
9. “White as a sheet” means:
A) Your clothes are clean
B) Your face is pale from fear
C) You are tired
10. If something “gives you the creeps,” how do you feel?
A) Happy
B) Spooked or uneasy
C) Excited
11. When you “sweat bullets,” what’s happening?
A) You are very nervous
B) You are working out
C) You are in the sun
12. If your “blood runs cold,” what happened?
A) You feel chilly from the weather
B) You are terrified or shocked
C) You are tired
13. What does “petrified” mean?
A) Extremely scared
B) Very tired
C) Very angry
14. If someone is “jumpy,” what are they like?
A) They like to hop
B) They are easily startled
C) They play sports
15. If you “lose your nerve,” what happens?
A) You became too scared to continue
B) You got stronger
C) You won a game
16. If you “break into a cold sweat,” why?
A) You ran fast
B) You are hot
C) You are scared or nervous
17. “Eyes like saucers” means:
A) You are sleepy
B) Your eyes are wide from surprise or fear
C) You are crying
18. If something “sends shivers down your spine,” what does it do?
A) Gives you chills of fear or excitement
B) Makes you tired
C) Warms you up
19. If someone “has cold feet” before a big event, what does it mean?
A) Their shoes don’t fit
B) They feel nervous and may back out
C) They are outside in the snow
20. “Hair-raising” means:
A) Boring
B) Very exciting or frightening
C) Something about hair care
21. If you “quiver in your boots,” what’s happening?
A) You’re dancing
B) You’re shaking from fear
C) You’re stretching
22. If something gives you “the heebie-jeebies,” how do you feel?
A) Creeped out
B) Hungry
C) Relaxed
23. What does “nervous wreck” mean?
A) Someone very calm
B) Someone extremely nervous or stressed
C) A broken car
24. If you are “afraid of your own shadow,” what are you like?
A) Very brave
B) Easily scared
C) Always in the dark
25. “Frozen in fear” means:
A) Cold weather stopped you
B) You couldn’t move because you were scared
C) You were tired and resting
Answer Key
- B) Very scared or nervous
- B) It frightened you a lot
- A) Waiting nervously for something
- B) You were very scared
- A) Standing still from fear
- A) Feel nervous
- B) You felt sudden fear or surprise
- B) You are easily scared
- B) Your face is pale from fear
- B) Spooked or uneasy
- A) You are very nervous
- B) You are terrified or shocked
- A) Extremely scared
- B) They are easily startled
- A) You became too scared to continue
- C) You are scared or nervous
- B) Your eyes are wide from surprise or fear
- A) Gives you chills of fear or excitement
- B) They feel nervous and may back out
- B) Very exciting or frightening
- B) You’re shaking from fear
- A) Creeped out
- B) Someone extremely nervous or stressed
- B) Easily scared
- B) You couldn’t move because you were scared
Wrapping Up
Idioms about being scared add life to everyday conversations. In the USA, people use these phrases to share feelings in a way that is quick and easy to picture. They make stories more interesting and often add humor, even in tense moments.
Learning these idioms can help you understand American speech better. You’ll also be able to express fear in creative ways. Whether you are telling a spooky story, talking about a big test, or describing an exciting game, these idioms will help your words come alive.
