To be scared out of one's wits; to be greatly alarmed or terrified; to be panic-stricken.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
During the Northern Song Dynasty, He Lianlian, a woman from Luoyang, and Wang Huan, a talented scholar from Bianliang, fell in love at first sight and became engaged.
However, the He family, disdaining Wang Huan's poverty, married Lianlian off to Gao Changbin, a quartermaster serving under Zhong Shidao.
Wang Huan, determined to see Lianlian, disguised himself as a hawthorn-pear seller and went to Chengtian Temple. While there, he encountered Gao Changbin returning home, which scared Wang Huan out of his wits.
Later, Wang Huan joined the army, achieved significant military merits, and eventually reunited with Lianlian, living happily ever after until old age.