He stood there like a deer in the headlights when I asked him.
deer in the headlights
idiomA person in a mental state of high arousal caused by anxiety, fear, panic, surprise, confusion, or substance abuse.
Origin
disputed originFrom the image of a deer caught in a car's headlights – wide-open eyes, lack of motor reactions, etc.
When the teacher called on her unexpectedly, she froze like a deer in the headlights.
Caught off guard by the sudden interrogation, the witness stood motionless, looking like a deer in the headlights before the jury.
Last updated April 17, 2026