headlight

a 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.
See also: deer, headlight

be like a deer caught in the headlights

To be visibly startled and frozen in fear. I was like a deer caught in the headlights when my mom asked about that hideous sweater she gave me. When the security alarm started blaring, the burglar was like a deer caught in the headlights.
See also: caught, deer, headlight, like

deer-in-headlights

(Used before a noun.) Of or describing a paralyzed manner or appearance, as due to surprise, fear, shock, or bewilderment. Likened to the tendency of deer to freeze in place in front of an oncoming vehicle. He had this dopey deer-in-headlights look on his face when I asked him where the money had gone.

like a deer in (the) headlights

In a state or manner of paralyzing surprise, fear, or bewilderment. Likened to the tendency of deer to freeze in place in front of an oncoming vehicle. When she asked me to marry her, I could only stand there like a deer in headlights. He froze like a deer in the headlights when I caught him taking money out of the register.
See also: deer, headlight, like

like a rabbit (caught) in (the) headlights

In a state or manner of paralyzing surprise, fear, or bewilderment. Likened to the tendency of rabbits to freeze in place in front of an oncoming vehicle. When she asked me to marry her, I could only stand there like a rabbit caught in headlights. He froze like a rabbit in the headlights when I caught him taking money out of the register.
See also: headlight, like, rabbit
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

like a rabbit caught in the headlights

or

like a deer caught in the headlights

If someone is like a rabbit caught in the headlights or like a deer caught in the headlights, they are so frightened or nervous that they do not know what to do. He just sat there, like a rabbit caught in the headlights. Diane fixes me with her cold, blue eyes: I am the proverbial deer caught in the headlights. Note: This expression is very variable. For example, you can just say that someone is caught or frozen in the headlights. He was caught in the headlights as he attempted to answer a string of questions about his relationship. The best thing for a writer caught in the headlights of unexpected celebrity is simply to keep writing and publishing. Note: Animals such as rabbits or deer sometimes remain still because they do not know which way to run when the light from a vehicle's headlights shines on them at night.
See also: caught, headlight, like, rabbit
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

(be caught/freeze like) a deer in the ˈheadlights

(also (be caught like) a rabbit in the ˈheadlights) used to describe somebody who appears so frightened that they cannot think clearly and do not know what to do or say: The senator was caught like a deer in the headlights in a TV interview. a deer-in-the-headlights look
See also: deer, headlight
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • a deer in (the) headlights
  • a deer in the headlights
  • deer
  • like a deer in (the) headlights
  • like a rabbit (caught) in (the) headlights
  • like a rabbit caught in the headlights
  • deer-in-headlights
  • knock (someone) over with a feather
  • knock over with a feather
  • you could have knocked me over with a feather
References in periodicals archive
The 2019 Audi A3 was named a 2019 IIHS Top Safety Pick when equipped with available LED headlights. LED headlights are available on 2019 A3 Premium Plus and Prestige models and are not available on other 2019 A3 trims.
In fact official government data shows there are around 300 collisions every year where dazzling headlights are a factor.
The Impreza, Legacy, Outback and WRX qualify for Top Safety Pick+ when equipped with optional front crash prevention and specific headlights. The Crosstrek and the Forester earn Top Safety Pick, also with optional front crash prevention and specific headlights.
The high-beam function in these unique headlights uses 25 individual LEDs per unit that can be switched on and off or dimmed individually depending on the situation.
heavy rain, headlights make it harder to see, not easier.
May I respectfully suggest that DVtakes the time to perhaps brush up on the current edition of the Garston Highway Code, and perhaps invest in some refresher driving lessons to improve their standard of driving, particularly if they feel intimidated by the headlights on motorcycles and cars.
We elected to remove the entire headlight assembly from the car, rather than just the motor.
Start by masking off the areas around the headlight to prevent paint damage.
The mirrors and headlights get splattered with mud during missions, so it's up to you to clean them off after every operation.
A lot of us ride with the headlight on high beam, but don't flash a headlight at an approaching driver or they might think you are letting them go ahead of you.
The monsters are vehicles with one failed headlight - and road safety organisations are stressing the danger they present.
Invotec International, Inc., introduces a portable LED headlight and endoscope light source system.
That same sensor--the camera--can diversify into pedestrian recognition, rain sensing, and intelligent headlight control (have headlights come on and off by themselves, change from high beams to low beams, etc.).
Low headlight beams are not made for speeds of more than 40 mph, so use high beams as much as possible on highways and unlighted streets.
The site includes advice about what documents you will need or compulsory equipment you'll need to take such as GB sticker, headlight beam deflectors and warning triangle.