be riveted to the ground

be riveted to the ground

To be immobilized by fear or surprise. A: "Why didn't you move when that dog lunged at you?" B: "I don't know, I was just riveted to the ground!"

See also: ground, rivet

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

be ˌriveted to the ˈspot/ˈground

be so shocked or frightened that you cannot move: As he walked away, she wanted to run after him but she felt frozen, riveted to the spot.

See also: ground, rivet, spot

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017