If you’ve ever had the terrified, panicky feeling like the one described in
the above scenario, then you understand the meaning of this week’s Idiom –
“deer caught in the headlights.”
Imagine this: You’ve been up all night getting ready for today’s big presentation. You’re exhausted, stressed, and worried, and you need caffeine! You hurry in to the nearest coffee shop and wait in a long, noisy line. Finally, it’s your turn, and you can’t wait to order a large black coffee. Instead, you’re met by a grouchy barista, tapping her nails on the counter and rolling her eyes as she waits for your order. You suddenly have no idea what to say, and you stand there, like a deer caught in the headlights, growing more and more aware of the building irritation of the crowd in line behind you.
If you’ve ever had the terrified, panicky feeling like the one described in the above scenario, then you understand the meaning of this week’s Idiom – “deer caught in the headlights.” As an expat in America, you’re probably all too familiar with scenarios like this, and some days might even seem filled with them! At Apto, we know exactly how you feel, and we want you to know that you are not alone. As we scramble to put final touches on our product before our November 15th launch, we’re all caught with a similar feeling!
This week’s definition comes from The Free Dictionary:
Deer in the Headlights
Someone caught in a state of paralyzing surprise, fear, or bewilderment. Likened to the tendency of deer to freeze in place in front of an oncoming vehicle. Often used in the phrase “like a deer in the headlights. Mary turned into a deer in the headlights when she forgot her lines in the middle of the play. He froze like a deer in the headlights when I caught him taking money out of the register. When she asked me to marry her, I could only stand there like a deer in the headlights.
Apto can help you through these situations and give you the confidence you need to adapt to American life and culture with ease. Yes, this even includes facing the eye-rolling, demanding barista and ordering your coffee like a pro!