The phrase "scared the daylights out of" is a popular idiom used to describe the act of frightening someone severely. The word "daylights" in this expression is spelled /ˈdeɪ.laɪts/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The spelling is based on the pronunciation and the origin of the word, which comes from the concept of "daylighting", referring to the practice of giving natural light to buildings. The phrase is commonly understood and frequently used in casual conversations or literature to show the intensity of fear, anxiety, or shock.
The phrase "scared the daylights out of" is an idiomatic expression used figuratively to describe the act of frightening someone intensely or to an extreme extent. It refers to a situation or event that evokes extreme fear, causing someone to be deeply startled or shocked. The origin of the phrase is uncertain, but it dates back to the early 1900s.
When someone "scares the daylights out of" another person, it suggests that the level of fear induced is so great that it seems to momentarily drain the life force or "daylight" out of the individual. It emphasizes the dramatic impact and intensity of the fear experienced during the encounter or event. This phrase is often used colloquially to describe situations where fear is unexpectedly provoked and generates a strong reaction.
For instance, when someone unexpectedly jumps out from behind a closed door or startles someone by making a loud noise, it can "scare the daylights out of" the person, causing them to shriek or gasp in response. It can also be used in a metaphorical sense, indicating that something frightens a person beyond a typical level of fear, leaving them shaken, trembling, or feeling as if their heart is racing.
In summary, "scared the daylights out of" is an idiomatic phrase employed to convey a sense of extreme fright, shock, or terror brought about by a sudden and intense scare or shocking event.