1.
to be frozen with shock; to be flabbergasted; to be so surprised one cannot stand
To be so startled, frightened, or astonished that one's legs give out and one cannot stand up properly. Literally, one's lower back (腰) gives way.
驚いて腰を抜かした。
I was so surprised I couldn't stand.
幽霊を見て腰を抜かしてしまった。
I was paralyzed with shock after seeing a ghost.
請求書の金額を見て、腰を抜かすほど驚いた。
I was flabbergasted when I saw the amount on the bill.
USAGE:
Can describe either literal inability to stand (from fright) or figurative extreme surprise. Often used hyperbolically.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 腰を抜かすほど驚く (to be so surprised one can't stand)
- ～て腰を抜かす (to be paralyzed with shock from ~)
NUANCE:
More vivid and dramatic than simply 驚く (to be surprised). Often used for humorous or exaggerated effect, though it can also describe genuine terror.