胸むねを冷ひやす

expression, godan verb (-su)

be frightened; have one's heart chilled

Idiomatic expression meaning to be suddenly scared or shocked, often with a physical sensation of coldness in the chest. Similar to 肝を冷やす.

See also: 肝を冷やす

• 突とつ然ぜんの大おおきな音おとに胸むねを冷ひやした。

  I was frightened by the sudden loud noise.

• あの話はなしを聞きいて胸むねを冷ひやす思おもいだった。

  Hearing that story made my blood run cold.