Jump out of one's skin - 英语词汇详解

Meaning 1：be extremely startled (Jump out of one's skin)

Jump out of one's skin 🔊

/dʒʌmp aʊt əv wʌnz skɪn/

v. phr.

To be extremely frightened or surprised by something sudden and unexpected.

be extremely startled 🔊

➕

/biː ɪkˈstriːmli ˈstɑːrtld/

v. phr.

To be shocked or frightened suddenly, often causing a physical reaction such as jumping or screaming.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：中级

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

A combination of 'jump' (leap), 'out of' (from inside), and 'skin' (body covering).

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine a cat so frightened it literally jumps out of its fur.

📖 Example

I was reading a book quietly when the fire alarm went off, and I jumped out of my skin. 🔊 I was reading a book quietly when the fire alarm went off, and I jumped out of my skin.

🔗 Collocations

make someone jump out of their skin – to cause someone to be extremely startled

nearly jump out of one's skin – to be very close to being extremely startled

🔄 Synonyms

be scared to death (v. phr.) – to be extremely frightened, often to the point of feeling paralyzed

have a heart attack (v. phr.) – to be so shocked that one feels a sudden, intense fear

🚫 Antonyms

remain calm (v. phr.) – to stay composed and not show fear

be unfazed (adj.) – not bothered or disturbed by something surprising

📖 Cultural Story

Originating in the 16th century, this idiom vividly describes an extreme startle reaction, as if one's soul leaps from the body.