The idiom "scares daylights out of" means to frighten someone to an extreme degree. The spelling of this word can be explained using the IPA phonetic transcription. The "s" sound is represented by the symbol /s/. The "k" sound is represented by the symbol /k/. The "er" sound is represented by the symbol /ɜr/, while the "z" sound is represented by the symbol /z/. The word "daylights" is spelled as /deɪlaɪts/. The word "out" is spelled as /aʊt/. When speaking this idiom, emphasis is usually placed on the word "scares."
The phrase "scares daylights out of" is an idiomatic expression that is commonly used to describe a situation in which someone or something greatly frightens or terrifies another person. It signifies a feeling of intense fear or panic that can cause a temporary loss of normal bodily functions or senses. The term "daylights" refers metaphorically to the innermost part of a person, representing their life force or vitality. Hence, when something "scares the daylights out of" someone, it denotes an experience so alarming or shocking that it seems to drain all energy or vitality from that person, leaving them in a state of extreme fear or apprehension.
The phrase "scares daylights out of" can be used in various contexts, whether related to a sudden fright, a horrifying experience, or an unexpected surprise that leads to feelings of intense terror. It emphasizes the severity and impact of the fear, suggesting that the person or situation had such a powerful effect on the individual that it virtually "scared the life out of them." This expression is often used colloquially, both in casual conversations and informal writing, to vividly emphasize the sheer level of fright or shock experienced by someone.