Spanish Fear Idioms
Master 1 authentic Spanish expressions about fear with meanings, examples, and pronunciation guidance
Understanding Spanish Fear Idioms
Spanish fear idioms express anxiety, terror, and worry with visceral imagery. From "estar cagado de miedo" (to be scared shitless) to "tener el corazón en la boca" (to have your heart in your mouth), these expressions capture fear's physical manifestations and psychological impact with raw honesty.
When to Use These Expressions
Fear idioms are used when describing scary situations, expressing worry, discussing anxiety, or telling suspenseful stories. They range from mild concern to absolute terror and appear across all contexts from casual to serious.
Learning Tips for Fear Idioms
- Learn idioms for different fear intensities—from worried to terrified
- Note physical manifestations described in fear idioms
- Practice with horror stories or suspenseful narratives
- Understand that some expressions are crude—learn appropriate contexts
Most Common Fear Idioms
Start with these high-frequency expressions used daily by native speakers
Complete List of Fear Idioms
Frequently Asked Questions About Spanish Fear Idioms
What are Spanish idioms for being afraid?
Spanish fear idioms include "tener el corazón en la boca" (to have your heart in your mouth), "estar muerto de miedo" (to be scared to death), "temblar como un flan" (to shake like jelly), "ponérsele los pelos de punta" (for your hair to stand on end), and "estar con el alma en un hilo" (to be extremely worried).
How do Spanish speakers express anxiety vs. terror?
Spanish differentiates between mild anxiety ("estar preocupado," "tener nervios") and extreme fear ("estar cagado de miedo," "estar muerto de miedo"). The language has rich gradations for expressing fear intensity, allowing precise communication of emotional states.
Have more questions about learning Spanish idioms? Browse our complete idiom guide or explore our learning resources.
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