Deer in the headlight

Posted by Pamela on April 28, 2007

In Reply to: Deer in the headlight posted by ESC on April 28, 2007

: : : : I want to know what the phrase "deer in the headlight" means.

: : : It's literal. A deer is crossing the highway and a car is coming. The headlights of the vehicle will cause the deer to "freeze." Too scared to get out of the way. It is a very hazardous situation and deer are known as the most dangerous animal in the United States because of the resulting wrecks.

: : And there is the figural meaning, or extended meaning. "He had that look, like that of a deer caught in the headlights."
: : SS

: What I meant was the origin is literal.

In Australia, we always say "rabbit in the headlights". Pamela

• Deer in the headlight Bruce Kahl 29/April/07
  • Deer in the headlight ESC 30/April/07