1.
to be terrified; to be scared stiff; to have a frightening experience
An idiomatic expression literally meaning "to chill one's liver." Describes the intense fear or shock felt during or after a dangerous or alarming situation.
Literally "to chill one's liver (肝)." In traditional Japanese and Chinese medicine, the liver was considered the seat of courage and spirit, so chilling it means losing one's nerve from fright.
Usage
Most commonly used in the past tense (肝を冷やした) to describe a frightening experience that has already passed. Typically involves a moment of danger or a close call rather than prolonged fear.
Common patterns
- 肝を冷やした: was terrified (past tense, most common)
- 肝を冷やす思いをする: to have a terrifying experience
- 肝を冷やす場面: a terrifying moment
Related words
- 肝が据わる: to have nerves of steel (the liver is settled = one is fearless)
- 肝が太い: to be bold, gutsy
- 肝試し: a test of courage (e.g., visiting a haunted place)