足あしがすくむ

expression, godan verb (-mu)

freeze from fear; too frightened to run

Describes legs becoming stiff or paralyzed due to fear, making it impossible to move or run away.

• 高たかい所ところに立たったら、足あしがすくんで動うごけなくなった。

  When I stood in a high place, my legs froze and I couldn't move.

• 突とつ然ぜんの大おおきな音おとに、足あしがすくんで逃にげられなかった。

  At the sudden loud noise, my legs froze and I couldn't run away.