PhrasesHub

Living daylights

    Definitions

      • to scare or startle someone
        to emphasize the intensity of a scare or startle, often used in the phrase "scared/stared the living daylights out of someone"

      • to beat someone up
        to emphasize the intensity of a physical beating, often used in the phrase "beat the living daylights out of someone"

      • to beat someone easily in a competition
        to emphasize the ease with which someone is defeated, often used in the phrase "beat the living daylights out of someone"

    Examples of Living daylights

    • The detective investigated the case with the living daylights scared out of her.

      This use of the idiom indicates that the detective was intensely anxious or frightened while investigating the case. The phrase "living daylights" is being used metaphorically to mean that the detective was experiencing an extreme level of fear, as if she was afraid enough to keep her alive or living through that situation.

    • After the accident, the car was inspected with the living daylights beaten out of it.

      In this example, "living daylights" is being used metaphorically to mean that the car received an extremely thorough inspection, as if it underwent a brutal examination that left it almost lifeless. The use of this idiom illustrates the intensity of the inspection process.

    • The speaker harped on and on about the issue with the living daylights exhausted out of him.

      This use of the idiom signifies that the speaker went on and on about the issue in such a way that he was completely exhausted after presenting his opinions. "Living daylights" is being employed metaphorically to mean that the speaker's enthusiasm for the cause left him feeling drained and lifeless.

    • The assassin stalked his prey with the living daylights beaded in his eyes.

      In this context, "living daylights" is being used metaphorically to mean that the assassin's eyes were filled with an intense and focused gaze, as if he was seeing his target with incredible clarity and intensity, almost as if he could see the soul or essence of his prey.

    • The spy was gathering intelligence in complete secrecy, making sure he wasn't being watched by the enemy. His actions were like living daylights as he moved stealthily through the dark alleys of the city.

      This example uses the idiom living daylights in a figurative sense to describe how someone can move quietly and undetectably, like a person living during the daytime, when everyone else is asleep and unaware of their movements. In this case, the spy's actions were so covert and discreet that he might as well have been living in daylight, as opposed to the darkness of night, when he could have potentially been seen by the enemy.

    • The musician played his heart out on stage, giving a performance that left the audience spellbound. It was like living daylights as he poured his soul into every note.

      In this example, living daylights is being used to describe the intensity and energy of the musician's performance. Just as a person living during daylight hours might radiate vitality and alertness, the musician's music had a similar impact on the audience, leaving them fully engaged and awake to his talent.

    • The artist worked tirelessly on her painting, staying up late into the night to ensure every detail was perfect. Her studio was filled with the soft, flickering light of a desk lamp, emulating the brightness of daylight indoors. Living daylights she painted, as if being revealed by the light of day.

      Here, the phrase living daylights is being used to describe the artist's creative process, as if she were working outdoors in broad daylight, though in reality she was working indoors under the soft, artificial light of a desk lamp. This idiom highlights the artist's tireless dedication and focus on her work, as well as the clarity and sharpness of her vision as she brought her painting to life.

    • The student's mind was wide awake and alert as he studied for his exams, his eyes glued to the pages of his textbooks. Living daylights he learned, as if his brain were a sponge soaking up every last detail.

      This example uses living daylights to describe the student's state of concentration and focus during his studies. Just as a person living during daylight hours might be fully awake and alert, the student's brain was similarly attuned and receptive to learning, absorbing the information in his textbooks as if it were being purged from bright daylight.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "living daylights" is used to emphasize the intensity of a scare or startle, as well as the intensity of a physical beating or an easy victory in a competition.

    In everyday conversation, the phrase "scared/stared the living daylights out of someone" is used to convey that someone was extremely frightened or startled. Similarly, "beat the living daylights out of someone" is used to indicate that someone was severely beaten, either physically or in a competition.

    Overall, the idiom is used to emphasize extreme experiences, whether they be frightening, physically intense, or a resounding victory.

    Origin of "Living daylights"

    The origin of the idiom "living daylights" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the mid-20th century. The word "daylights" refers to a person's consciousness or vitality, so "living daylights" is likely used to emphasize the intensity of an experience that affects one's consciousness or vitality.

    The idiom may have originated from the idea of something being so shocking or intense that it seems to jolt a person's consciousness or vitality. Over time, it has been used to convey extreme fear, physical violence, or an easy victory, all of which have a profound impact on a person's well-being. The exact origin of the idiom may be unclear, but its usage to convey intensity and extremity is firmly established in the English language.