Talking About Fear in English

There are many words and expressions in English for talking about fear.

Words

afraid: "Are you afraid of the dark?"
frightened: "I'm frightened of spiders."
scared: "He's scared of making mistakes."
feel uneasy: "I felt a bit uneasy when I walked home in the dark."
spooked: "My cats are easily spooked before a thunderstorm."
terrified: "She was absolutely terrified when she heard the noise."
petrified: "The building began to shake and we were all petrified."

Expressions

a terrifying ordeal
send shivers down my spine
give me goosebumps (goosebumps are when you skin has little bumps on it= poner la carne de gallina)
make the hairs on the back of my neck stand up (dogs also do this when they are scared)
scare the hell out of me: dar pavor, aterrorizar,  Ex: Moreover, if you happen to be suffering from dental phobia, where the idea of visiting a dentist's surgery scares the hell out of you, you will be glad to learn that 'do it yourself' dental veneer kits exist.
 be scared shitless / shit scared (British slang – vulgar): extremely frightened; "he was scared shitless"
be bricking it (British slang – vulgar)
frighten the life out of me
shake with fear
jump out of my skin

Examples of how to talk about fear in English

One of the best horror films I have seen is "The Blair Witch Project". It tells the story of a terrifying ordeal in the woods of northern USA. Some of the scenes in the film sent shivers down my spine, especially the one when the students run out of the tent in the middle of the night. When they go back, one of the guy's rucksack has been emptied. When that same guy goes missing the next day, it gives you goosebumps.

There are some fabulous sound effects, especially the ones of the wind blowing and howling. When you hear the crying voices at the end of the film, it will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.

Perhaps the scariest part of the film is at the end, when you see one of the surviving students literally shake with fear in the corner of the basement. It certainly frightened the life out of the girl when she saw him, and I jumped out of my skin at the end when the camera stopped filming. The film scared the hell out of me for weeks afterwards, and I'm ashamed to say that I wouldn't go into an empty room in the house unless there was someone there with me.

Talking About Fear in English

There are many words and expressions in English for talking about fear.

Words

afraid: "Are you afraid of the dark?"
frightened: "I'm frightened of spiders."
scared: "He's scared of making mistakes."
feel uneasy: "I felt a bit uneasy when I walked home in the dark."
spooked: "My cats are easily spooked before a thunderstorm."
terrified: "She was absolutely terrified when she heard the noise."
petrified: "The building began to shake and we were all petrified."

Expressions

a terrifying ordeal
send shivers down my spine
give me goosebumps (goosebumps are when you skin has little bumps on it= poner la carne de gallina)
make the hairs on the back of my neck stand up (dogs also do this when they are scared)
scare the hell out of me: dar pavor, aterrorizar,  Ex: Moreover, if you happen to be suffering from dental phobia, where the idea of visiting a dentist's surgery scares the hell out of you, you will be glad to learn that 'do it yourself' dental veneer kits exist.
 be scared shitless / shit scared (British slang – vulgar): extremely frightened; "he was scared shitless"
be bricking it (British slang – vulgar)
frighten the life out of me
shake with fear
jump out of my skin

Examples of how to talk about fear in English

One of the best horror films I have seen is "The Blair Witch Project". It tells the story of a terrifying ordeal in the woods of northern USA. Some of the scenes in the film sent shivers down my spine, especially the one when the students run out of the tent in the middle of the night. When they go back, one of the guy's rucksack has been emptied. When that same guy goes missing the next day, it gives you goosebumps.

There are some fabulous sound effects, especially the ones of the wind blowing and howling. When you hear the crying voices at the end of the film, it will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.

Perhaps the scariest part of the film is at the end, when you see one of the surviving students literally shake with fear in the corner of the basement. It certainly frightened the life out of the girl when she saw him, and I jumped out of my skin at the end when the camera stopped filming. The film scared the hell out of me for weeks afterwards, and I'm ashamed to say that I wouldn't go into an empty room in the house unless there was someone there with me.

Today´s expressions

1. I’m counting on you (Cuento contigo)
2. I don’t hold a grudge (no guardo rancor)
3. You’re a jinx (eres un gafe)
4. My car keeps stalling (Seguir calándose)
5. That’s easier said than done (del Dicho al hecho hay mucho trecho)
6. Don’t give in (no dar el brazo a torcer)
7. Don’t let your guard down (No bajes la guardia)
8. I’m all mixed up (Estar hecho un lio)
9. They had it all figured out (Tenerlo calculado)
10. Put it the other way round (Poner al reves)
11. It’s difficult to make ends meet (Subsistir a duras penas)
12. Your suit’s totally creased (arrugado)
13. I’ve called a meeting on Saturday (convocar una reunión)
14. I was gobsmacked (Quedarse flipado, estupefacto, sin habla)
15. What a drag ! (Que rollo)
16. Stand up for yourself (Defenderse solo)
17. Stand up to him (Hazle frente)

Today´s expressions

1. I’m counting on you (Cuento contigo)
2. I don’t hold a grudge (no guardo rancor)
3. You’re a jinx (eres un gafe)
4. My car keeps stalling (Seguir calándose)
5. That’s easier said than done (del Dicho al hecho hay mucho trecho)
6. Don’t give in (no dar el brazo a torcer)
7. Don’t let your guard down (No bajes la guardia)
8. I’m all mixed up (Estar hecho un lio)
9. They had it all figured out (Tenerlo calculado)
10. Put it the other way round (Poner al reves)
11. It’s difficult to make ends meet (Subsistir a duras penas)
12. Your suit’s totally creased (arrugado)
13. I’ve called a meeting on Saturday (convocar una reunión)
14. I was gobsmacked (Quedarse flipado, estupefacto, sin habla)
15. What a drag ! (Que rollo)
16. Stand up for yourself (Defenderse solo)
17. Stand up to him (Hazle frente)

Useful expressions translated

At the end of the day - Al fin y al cabo
Are you kidding me? - ¿Estás de coña?
As clear as a day - tan claro como el agua
Between the devil and deep blue sea - entre la espada y la pared -- British
By hook or by crook - por las buenas o por las malas
By the skin of my teeth - Por los pelos
Count me in - cuenta conmigo
Don't be a pussy - No seas marica
Don't bullshit me! - Deja de decirme gilipolleces / No me cuentes gilipolleces
Don't get me wrong - No me malinterpretes
Don't make a fool out of myself - No me tomes por tonto
Easy-peasy - Tirado, chupado, muy fácil
Enough is enough - Ya está bien
Fair and square - Como Dios manda, de forma justa
to win fair and square-  ganar con todas las de la ley  
Guess what - A que no sabes que
Hanging out (hang out) - Pasando el rato (pasar el rato
High Five/Give me five - Choca esos cinco!
Hold your horses! - para el carro!
What a drag! Qué rollo/lata!

Useful expressions translated

At the end of the day - Al fin y al cabo
Are you kidding me? - ¿Estás de coña?
As clear as a day - tan claro como el agua
Between the devil and deep blue sea - entre la espada y la pared -- British
By hook or by crook - por las buenas o por las malas
By the skin of my teeth - Por los pelos
Count me in - cuenta conmigo
Don't be a pussy - No seas marica
Don't bullshit me! - Deja de decirme gilipolleces / No me cuentes gilipolleces
Don't get me wrong - No me malinterpretes
Don't make a fool out of myself - No me tomes por tonto
Easy-peasy - Tirado, chupado, muy fácil
Enough is enough - Ya está bien
Fair and square - Como Dios manda, de forma justa
to win fair and square-  ganar con todas las de la ley  
Guess what - A que no sabes que
Hanging out (hang out) - Pasando el rato (pasar el rato
High Five/Give me five - Choca esos cinco!
Hold your horses! - para el carro!
What a drag! Qué rollo/lata!

Popular Expressions Used in the U.S

Call it a day: (=Basta por hoy) stop working; to decide to quit working and go home.

David called it a day and snuck out of the office a little after 3:00.

Call someone's bluff (=poner en evidencia).
Explanation: Usually used to state that you do not believe what someone is saying or that you think they are exaggerating. Also used in poker.
Examples: I called his bluff and he admitted he had made up the whole story. - I called his bluff - he only had an Ace and a pair of twos.

 Can't make heads or tails of something: (=No encontrar ni pies ni cabeza, no tener sentido")  John is so strange. I can't make heads or tails of him. Do this report again. I can't make heads or tails out of it.

Can't see the forest for the trees (= Los arboles no dejan ver el bosque): you can't see the entire forest because the trees are in the way. Something small prevents the view or understanding of something large.

Maritza gets too distracted by small problems at work. If she can't see the forest for the trees, she'll never get ahead in the company.

Popular Expressions Used in the U.S

Call it a day: (=Basta por hoy) stop working; to decide to quit working and go home.

David called it a day and snuck out of the office a little after 3:00.

Call someone's bluff (=poner en evidencia).
Explanation: Usually used to state that you do not believe what someone is saying or that you think they are exaggerating. Also used in poker.
Examples: I called his bluff and he admitted he had made up the whole story. - I called his bluff - he only had an Ace and a pair of twos.

 Can't make heads or tails of something: (=No encontrar ni pies ni cabeza, no tener sentido")  John is so strange. I can't make heads or tails of him. Do this report again. I can't make heads or tails out of it.

Can't see the forest for the trees (= Los arboles no dejan ver el bosque): you can't see the entire forest because the trees are in the way. Something small prevents the view or understanding of something large.

Maritza gets too distracted by small problems at work. If she can't see the forest for the trees, she'll never get ahead in the company.

Facial expressions

You can often understand how people are feeling from the expressions on their faces. Here are ten facial expressions.

1. She had a broad smile on her face.
2. He was wearing a frown.
3. She gave a grimace. She winced.
4. She gave me a dirty look
5. He looked down his nose at her.
6. She raised her eyebrows when she saw me.
7. The children were beaming from ear to ear.
8. Why the long face?
9. He was purple with rage.
10. If looks could kill..

How To Use These Phrases In Your English

1. Phrase 1 means that the person was very happy and her mouth was showing a very clear smile.
2. Phrase 2 means that he was looking annoyed or concerned and his eyebrows were lowered and forehead wrinkled.
3. In phrases in 3, a wince or a grimace are expressions of pain and / or disapproval. They are brief reactions to something unplasant.
4. In phrase 4 a dirty look is a way of showing anger or disapproval. The person stared hard at me in an unfriendly way.
5. Phrase 5 means that the person is showing that he thinks the other person is 'lower' in importance or social status. He probably looks at her with his head tilted back.
6. In phrase 6, people in the UK raise their eyebrows to show surprise or disapproval.
7. Phrase 7 means that the children were very happy and had big smiles on their faces.
8. Phrase 8 is a very common question that we ask when somebody looks very sad.

Facial expressions

You can often understand how people are feeling from the expressions on their faces. Here are ten facial expressions.

1. She had a broad smile on her face.
2. He was wearing a frown.
3. She gave a grimace. She winced.
4. She gave me a dirty look
5. He looked down his nose at her.
6. She raised her eyebrows when she saw me.
7. The children were beaming from ear to ear.
8. Why the long face?
9. He was purple with rage.
10. If looks could kill..

How To Use These Phrases In Your English

1. Phrase 1 means that the person was very happy and her mouth was showing a very clear smile.
2. Phrase 2 means that he was looking annoyed or concerned and his eyebrows were lowered and forehead wrinkled.
3. In phrases in 3, a wince or a grimace are expressions of pain and / or disapproval. They are brief reactions to something unplasant.
4. In phrase 4 a dirty look is a way of showing anger or disapproval. The person stared hard at me in an unfriendly way.
5. Phrase 5 means that the person is showing that he thinks the other person is 'lower' in importance or social status. He probably looks at her with his head tilted back.
6. In phrase 6, people in the UK raise their eyebrows to show surprise or disapproval.
7. Phrase 7 means that the children were very happy and had big smiles on their faces.
8. Phrase 8 is a very common question that we ask when somebody looks very sad.

Boring! Sometimes other people are really excited about things that you find boring. Here are ten phrases to tell people how tedious you find something, but be careful you don't offend the

Ten Expressions to Use In Speaking And Writing

1. How boring / tedious / dull !
2. What a bore!
3. It bores me to tears.
4. It leaves me cold.
5. It does nothing for me.
6. It's as dull as ditch-water.
7. I can't see what all the fuss is about.
8. It's as interesting as watching paint dry
9. I'm afraid I don't share your enthusiasm..
10. I can't say that I find it interesting.

How To Use These Phrases In Your English

1. Phrases 1 ,2, 3 and 6 are really very strong. You can say this to somebody who probably agrees or who you know will not be offended.
2. Phrases 4 and 5 are saying that you feel no emotion at all about a certain thing ot topic.
3. Phrase 7 means that other people are interested in the subject but that you cannot understand why they are interested.
4. Phrase 8 is saying that it is extremely boring by comparing it to watching paint drying - which most people consider a very boring activity.
5. Phrases 9 and 10 are more polite. However, you are still saying something negative so you may want to soften it by saying 'I'm afraid..' or 'I'm sorry to say..'.

Boring! Sometimes other people are really excited about things that you find boring. Here are ten phrases to tell people how tedious you find something, but be careful you don't offend the

Ten Expressions to Use In Speaking And Writing

1. How boring / tedious / dull !
2. What a bore!
3. It bores me to tears.
4. It leaves me cold.
5. It does nothing for me.
6. It's as dull as ditch-water.
7. I can't see what all the fuss is about.
8. It's as interesting as watching paint dry
9. I'm afraid I don't share your enthusiasm..
10. I can't say that I find it interesting.

How To Use These Phrases In Your English

1. Phrases 1 ,2, 3 and 6 are really very strong. You can say this to somebody who probably agrees or who you know will not be offended.
2. Phrases 4 and 5 are saying that you feel no emotion at all about a certain thing ot topic.
3. Phrase 7 means that other people are interested in the subject but that you cannot understand why they are interested.
4. Phrase 8 is saying that it is extremely boring by comparing it to watching paint drying - which most people consider a very boring activity.
5. Phrases 9 and 10 are more polite. However, you are still saying something negative so you may want to soften it by saying 'I'm afraid..' or 'I'm sorry to say..'.

Popular American Expressions

add insult to injury: make someone feel worse than he or she already does.

Samantha's sprained ankle meant that she couldn't walk on it for a few days. Adding insult to injury, she was unable to go to her waitress job during the busiest week of the year.

add fuel to the fire: make a bad situation worse.

When the man in the car behind him got too close, Tony slammed on his brakes, causing an accident. Then Tony got out of the car and smashed the man's headlights, which justadded fuel to the fire.

call it a day: stop working; to decide to quit working and go home.

David called it a day and snuck out of the office a little after 3:00.

Popular American Expressions

add insult to injury: make someone feel worse than he or she already does.

Samantha's sprained ankle meant that she couldn't walk on it for a few days. Adding insult to injury, she was unable to go to her waitress job during the busiest week of the year.

add fuel to the fire: make a bad situation worse.

When the man in the car behind him got too close, Tony slammed on his brakes, causing an accident. Then Tony got out of the car and smashed the man's headlights, which justadded fuel to the fire.

call it a day: stop working; to decide to quit working and go home.

David called it a day and snuck out of the office a little after 3:00.