He had buck fever and missed the shot.
buck fever
idiomExcitement and nervousness felt by a new hunter upon seeing game.
The young hunter struggled to aim his rifle because he was suffering from a bad case of buck fever.
As the massive deer stepped into the clearing, the novice hunter felt the paralyzing grip of buck fever, causing his hands to shake uncontrollably.
- 01
bang for the buck
Efficiency; cost-effectiveness; value.
- 02
break the buck
To fall below the value of one dollar per share.
- 03
buck for
To strive for persistently; to try hard to obtain (a promotion, raise, etc.).
- 04
buck off
Of a horse or other animal, to rear up on its hind legs in order to throw off or dislodge its rider.
- 05
buck the trend
To go against the norm or the current stand of the main population; have a differing opinion from the majority.
- 06
buck up
Cheer up; take courage; take heart.
- 07
buck up one's ideas
to pull one's socks up
- 08
fever pitch
Extreme excitement.