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Be frightened/scared/terrified out of your wits

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Emotional IntensityPlay
The phrase expresses an extremely high level of fear, beyond just being scared. SlideHearing the strange noises at night, he was terrified out of his wits.
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Hyperbolic ExpressionPlay
This phrase is usually an exaggeration, not to be taken literally but to stress the fear felt. SlideWhen the thunderstorm hit, we were frightened out of our wits.
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Informal UsagePlay
Mostly used in casual conversation or creative writing, not in formal settings. SlideShe texted me that she was scared out of her wits during the roller coaster ride.