C1idiominformalemotionsIELTS-friendly
jump out of your skin
USUK
to be suddenly and very badly frightened
Often with 'nearly' or 'almost'. It is about a sudden shock, not long-lasting fear.
In context
When the door slammed behind me, I nearly jumped out of my skin.
You made me jump out of my skin, creeping up behind me like that!
More idioms about emotions
- a bitter pill to swallowan unpleasant fact or situation that is hard to accept
- a bundle of nervesvery nervous and worried
- a chip on your shouldera lasting anger because you feel you were treated unfairly in the past
- a knot in your stomacha tight, sick feeling in your body caused by worry or fear
- a lump in your throata tight feeling in your throat because you are so moved that you might cry