Like a deer in headlights

Meaning

This describes the look of shock or confusion when someone is caught off guard. They stand frozen, unable to think of a response.

Sympathetic, observant

Used in a sentence

• When the professor asked her a question she did not know, she just stood there like a deer in headlights.
• He looked like a deer in headlights when I asked him to give a speech at the party.
• I stared at the complicated tax form like a deer in headlights.