Jump out of your skin

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Meaning

To startle or thrill hugely, leaping from shock.

Origin

From 19th-century Britain, tied to fear; 'out of skin' meant shook, slang by 1850s for jump. An 1862 'Punch' uses it for a scare.

Variants

  • Out of skin

Usage Examples

  • That bang made me jump out of my skin!
  • She jumped out of her skin at the win.
  • Jump out of your skin; ghost alert!

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