have heart stand still

have (one's) heart stand still

To experience very strong emotions, especially excitement, nervousness, or fear, such that it feels as though one's heart stops beating for a moment. I swear, I had my heart stand still the moment my wife began walking down the aisle on our wedding day. I have my heart stand still whenever the principal calls me into her office, even if I know I haven't done anything wrong!
See also: have, heart, stand, still
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

have one's heart stand still

Fig. an expression said when one's heart (figuratively) stops beating because one is shocked or is feeling strong emotions. I had my heart stand still once when I was overcome with joy. Loversat least the ones in love songs—usually say their hearts stood still.
See also: have, heart, stand, still
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • have (one's) heart stand still
  • (one's) heart stands still
  • one's heart stands still
  • your heart misses a beat
  • one's heart misses a beat
  • heart misses a beat
  • (one's) heart misses a beat
  • (one's) heart skips a beat
  • heart skips a beat
  • have goose bumps