The toddler was so scared that he wet his pants.
wet one's pants
idiomTo wet oneself, to urinate in one's clothes while wearing them.
Origin
disputed originThe senses referring to laughing and being afraid are extensions from the literal (urination) sense; both involve an element of variably literal or figurative nature: they are generally figurative, but if one laughs hard enough or gets frightened badly enough, the wetting may sometimes happen literally.
The horror movie was so terrifying that I felt like I might wet my pants.
The comedian told a joke so hilarious that the audience members were laughing until they nearly wet their pants.
- 01
abound in one's own sense
To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.
- 02
ace up one's sleeve
A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
- 03
act one's age
To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.
- 04
act one's age, not one's shoe size
Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).
- 05
afraid of one's own shadow
Exceptionally timid.
- 06
air one's dirty laundry in public
To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.
- 07
air one's dirty linen in public
Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.
- 08
albatross around one's neck
A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.
Last updated July 12, 2026