Acting like a deer in headlights describes someone who looks frozen, shocked, or confused when something sudden happens. The person may stare and not react right away.
This expression comes from how a deer sometimes stops and stares when bright car headlights shine on it at night. The animal can become still and unsure of what to do.
This expression comes from how a deer sometimes stops and stares when bright car headlights shine on it at night. The animal can become still and unsure of what to do.
When the teacher asked him a question he did not expect, he just stood there like a deer in headlights.