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.
Usage
Can describe either literal inability to stand (from fright) or figurative extreme surprise. Often used hyperbolically.
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.
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 ~)