strike fear into the hearts of

idiom

variants or strike fear into one's heart

: to cause (someone) to be very afraid : to frighten

a horrific accident that struck fear into the hearts of skiers everywhere

The idea struck fear into their hearts.

Examples of strike fear into the hearts of in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But there’s another creature, even smaller, that really does strike fear into the hearts of pachyderms everywhere: the humble honey bee. —Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 24 July 2024

In the crucible of modern combat, attack helicopters strike fear into the hearts of ground forces with their agility, firepower, and technological prowess. —Interesting Engineering, 24 June 2024

And the threat of an OSHA investigation doesn't always strike fear into the hearts of management or owners. —Kate Cimini, USA TODAY, 15 May 2024

Because after a long day of planning to strike fear into the hearts of the infidels, sometimes a guy just wants to take a relaxing bubble bath and read some Emily Dickenson. —Jennifer R. Williams, Foreign Affairs, 25 Mar. 2015

This pair’s crew height prevents those back-of-the-ankle blisters that strike fear into the hearts of boot wearers, and the brand's super-soft merino wool wicks away moisture for all-day wear. —Alice Bennett, Travel + Leisure, 17 Nov. 2023

Things such as patent protection can strike fear into the hearts of new inventors who have no idea what this means or how to go about getting it, but the good news is that there are professionals who can help. —Jon Stojan, The Indianapolis Star, 11 Aug. 2023

Choices, sacrifice and support Before the bubble braid struck fear into the hearts of opposing defenders, Smith was a point guard with professional basketball ambitions. —oregonlive, 7 July 2023

Read full article Cox — who, as the senior Roy, struck fear into the hearts of everyone in his orbit — appeared to be all smiles after the show, when the two artists posed for a photo with their wives. —Emma Glassman-Hughes, BostonGlobe.com, 5 July 2023