send a chill down (one's) spine

send a chill down (one's) spine

To cause an intense feeling of excitement, exhilaration, nervousness, or fear in one. The way that sonata swells always sends a chill down my spine. It sent a chill down my spine when Dorothy gave me such an amorous look. Can we get out of here? This creepy old house is sending a chill down my spine!See also: chill, down, send, spine

send a chill down your spine

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send chills down your spine

COMMON1. If something sends a chill down your spine or sends chills down your spine, it frightens you. Even after two weeks, the story of the girl still sent a chill down my spine. The sound these animals make sends chills down your spine. Note: This expression is often varied. For instance, you can used up instead of down, or say you get chills down your spine. These events should send chills up the spines of most investors. I walk past the building and still get chills down my spine.2. If something sends a chill down your spine or sends chills down your spine, it makes you feel very excited and emotional. It is one of the things I have a real passion for and just talking about it sends a chill down my spine. The crowd was cheering so loudly, it sent chills down my spine. Note: This expression is often varied. For instance, you can used up instead of down, or say you get chills down your spine. `That's a song I've loved for 30 years — it sends chills up my spine,' says Geyer.See also: chill, down, send, spine