strike fear, terror, etc. into somebody/somebody's heart

strike fear into (one)

To frighten, terrify, or horrify someone. While rather impractical and ineffective in combat, the use of flamethrowers in World War II was very effective at striking fear into civilians and enemy soldiers alike. The recent epidemic has struck fear into countries around the world.

See also: fear, strike

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

strike ˌfear, ˌterror, etc. into somebody/somebody’s ˈheart

(formal) make somebody feel fear, terror, etc: His crimes struck horror into the nation’s heart.

See also: heart, somebody, strike

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017