Jump at Shadows.
English
idiom
To be scared or worried about things that aren't real or likely to happen.
Trusted by1.5M+English learners & teachers worldwide
To be scared or worried about things that aren't real or likely to happen.
Trusted by1.5M+English learners & teachers worldwide
To be overly nervous, anxious, or frightened by imagined or minor threats.
Someone who jumps at shadows is on edge and reacts with alarm to things that pose no real danger — their fear outpaces reality.
"Jumpy"
—
Easily startled in the moment — jumping at shadows implies a sustained pattern of fearfulness
"Paranoid"
—
Suspecting others of ill intent — jumping at shadows is more about general anxiety than distrust
"Jump at Shadows"
—
Being persistently anxious and reacting with alarm to harmless or imagined threats
The team seems really on edge after the last project failure.
They're jumping at shadows a bit. We need to reassure them with a clear plan.
I keep worrying something bad is about to happen even when everything is fine.
You've been jumping at shadows lately. Maybe it's time to talk to someone about the anxiety.
How were you after the accident?
Jumping at shadows for a month. Every car horn made my heart race.
