give somebody/get the shivers

get the shivers

1. To begin to feel fear or dread. Can we get out of here? I'm getting the shivers from this creepy old house! The film isn't graphic or violent, but it's so creepy that you'll definitely get the shivers. Please don't leave me alone with that weirdo Joe—I always get the shivers when I'm around him.

2. To experience an acute tingling sensation resulting from intense pleasure, fear, exhilaration, or excitement. Wow, I got the shivers listening to that song! Did you write it yourself? The movie had the most incredible twist ending. I seriously still get the shivers just thinking about it! I got the shivers watching my soon-to-be-wife walk down the aisle at our wedding.

See also: get, shiver

give (one) the shivers

1. To cause one to have a feeling of fear or dread. Can we get out of here? This creepy old house is giving me the shivers! The film isn't graphic or violent, but it's so creepy that it'll definitely give you the shivers. Please don't leave me alone with that weirdo Joe—he just gives me the shivers!

2. To cause one to feel an acute tingling sensation resulting from intense pleasure, exhilaration, or excitement. Wow, that song gave me the shivers! Did you write that yourself? The movie had the most incredible twist ending. It seriously still gives me the shivers just thinking about it! When my soon-to-be-wife started to walk down the aisle at our wedding, it gave me the shivers.

See also: give, shiver

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

give somebody/get the ˈshivers

(informal) make somebody feel fear and horror: That old portrait gives me the shivers. ♢ I get the shivers every time I hear his name.

See also: get, give, shiver, somebody

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017