jump out of (one's) skin

jump out of (one's) skin

To physically recoil, flinch, or start, especially in fear or surprise. My goodness, I jumped out of my skin when that alarm went off in the middle of the night. Margaret jumped out of her skin when the boss called her name to give the presentation.

See also: jump, of, out, skin

(almost) jump out of one's skin

 and nearly jump out of one's skin

Fig. to react strongly to shock or surprise. Oh! You really scared me. I nearly jumped out of my skin. Bill was so startled he almost jumped out of his skin.

See also: jump, of, out, skin

jump out of one's skin

Be extremely startled or frightened. For example, When he crept up on me so quietly, I nearly jumped out of my skin. [Early 1900s]

See also: jump, of, out, skin

jump out of your skin

or

nearly jump out of your skin

If you jump out of your skin or nearly jump out of your skin, you are suddenly very surprised or shocked by something. The doorbell made him jump out of his skin. He nearly jumped out of his skin when he saw two rats.

See also: jump, of, out, skin

jump out of your skin

be extremely startled. informal

See also: jump, of, out, skin

jump out of your ˈskin

(informal) make a quick, sudden movement because something has suddenly frightened you: When I heard the explosion, I nearly jumped out of my skin. ♢ She nearly jumped out of her skin when somebody banged on the door in the middle of the night.

See also: jump, of, out, skin