have (one's) heart stand still

have (one's) heart stand still

To experience very strong emotions, especially excitement, nervousness, or fear, such that it feels as though one's heart stops beating for a moment. I swear, I had my heart stand still the moment my wife began walking down the aisle on our wedding day. I have my heart stand still whenever the principal calls me into her office, even if I know I haven't done anything wrong!See also: have, heart, stand, still

have one's heart stand still

Fig. an expression said when one's heart (figuratively) stops beating because one is shocked or is feeling strong emotions. I had my heart stand still once when I was overcome with joy. Lovers—at least the ones in love songs—usually say their hearts stood still.See also: have, heart, stand, still