scare the bejabers out of (someone)

scare the bejabers out of (someone)

To shock or frighten someone very suddenly and/or severely. ("Bejabers," a variant of "bejesus," is a mild euphemistic oath used here as an intensifying noun.) Primarily heard in Ireland. Don't sneak up on me like that, you scared the bejabers out of me! That car accident seems to have scared the bejabers out of Janet—she's still shaken by it.See also: of, out, scare