Page 28 - Conversation 3

(14) Makes your hair stand on end

Introduction

Here’s a phrase about things that scare you. Learn how to use it in this programme.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2024/ep-240205

Transcript

Feifei
Welcome to The English We Speak, with me Feifei…

Phil
And me, Phil. We have an expression about things that scare you – they ‘make your hair stand on
end’.

Feifei
‘make your hair stand on end’. I’m not sure I’m brave enough to find out how you use this one!
Go on, tell us what makes your hair stand on end.

Phil
I can’t stand mice, and my house is full of them – when I see one it makes my hair stand on end!

Feifei
I don’t even want to think about it – but what about other times. What other things are you scared
of? What makes your hair stand on end?

Phil
You know when you see great big spiders – really hairy ones? Even if I just think of them, they
make my hair stand on end.

Feifei
Is it just animals that you’re scared of? Is there anything else that can make your hair stand on
end?

Phil
OK, maybe heights, I remember being high up on a mountain, and looking down at the rocks
below. It really made my hair stand on end!

Feifei
Has anyone ever said that you’re easily scared? Let’s hear some more examples.

Examples
Being on a scary fairground ride makes my hair stand on end.