noun
jumpy from fear; afraid of every little noise
A yojijukugo describing a state of extreme fear where even the slightest sound or movement causes alarm. Often used in historical or literary contexts to depict panic or paranoia.
敗走した兵たちは風声鶴唳の状態で、物音に怯えていた。
The routed soldiers were so jumpy that they were frightened by every little noise.
Both describe extreme fear, but 草木皆兵 emphasizes seeing enemies everywhere, while 風声鶴唳 focuses on being startled by sounds.
A yojijukugo derived from a Chinese historical anecdote. The exact derivation is uncertain, but the phrase is conventionally associated with the idea of being so frightened that even the wind or a crane's cry seems like an enemy.