the fright of (one's) life

An extreme and sudden sensation of shock, surprise, or fear. Usually used after the verbs "get" or "give." Seeing the car swerve right in front of her gave Mary the fright of her life. I got the fright of my life when I noticed someone standing right behind me.

the ˌfright of your ˈlife

an experience that makes you feel great fear: I got the fright of my life when I saw the gun pointing at me. ♢ He gave me the fright of my life when I saw him hanging out of the window.

See also: fright, life, of

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

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References in periodicals archive

Karen Parker Kirtley: "Really glad he's OK, bet you got the fright of your life."

TOP COMMENT; Sally Ann G-Adams said: "Something needs to be done about this - it could happen to a child or an elderly person."

THIS Halloween get the fright of your life with a creepy walk around the secret haunts of Cardiff.

Creepy time is in store

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