Dictionary of American idioms

HAIR STAND ON END

hair stand on end: translation

{informal} The hair of your head rises stiffly upwards as a sign or result of great fright or horror. * /When he heard the strange cry, his hair stood on end./ * /The sight of the dead man made his hair stand on end./ Compare: BLOOD RUN COLD, HEART IN ONE'S MOUTH, HEART STAND STILL, JUMP OUT OF ONE'S SKIN, SPINE-CHILLING.