give (somebody) the creeps
Meaning(s)
1. make somebody feel disturbed or frightened
Popularity
High
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
the dark, old house is giving me the creeps!
Analysis
The idiom to give someone the creeps means to behave or act in a way which makes somebody feel fearful disturbed or frightened. This is an idiom which is usually used more often in informal contexts.
Social Examples (Basic)
- The house I'm staying in at the moment is so dark and quiet. It's really giving me the creeps!
- Something about Nick gives me the creeps. I think it's because of the way he always avoids eye contact when he talks to people.
Professional Examples (Basic)
- I asked my manager to take the old painting off the wall in the coffee shop because it was starting to give me the creeps!
- That client gives me the creeps. I'd prefer if I had someone else at dinner with me.