10 More Spooky Phrases in English

It’s that time of year again, which means we’ve got even more spooky English phrases for you to sink your fangs into.

Missed our first list? Click here.

Here are 10 more common English phrases to add to your vocabulary this Halloween🐈‍⬛🎃

1) Graveyard Shift 🌙

Meaning: A shift worked late at night or in the early hours of the morning.

Studying late into the night for an exam? Congratulations, you’re working the graveyard shift. Just watch out for ghosts – or the temptation to watch Just One More Episode instead.

2) Cast a Spell on Someone 🪄

Meaning: To captivate, charm, or fascinate someone.

Has language learning cast a spell on you yet? Sometimes, all it takes is the magic of a new city to explore.

3) Scared to Death 😱

Meaning: Extremely frightened.

Don’t be scared to death of speaking English. Sometimes, all it takes is a bit of practice and confidence. Thankfully, using the wrong tense isn’t fatal – you’ve got this!

4) Make Your Blood Run Cold 🩸

Meaning: To frighten, shock, or horrify someone intensely.

Few things make your blood run colder than saying 'Hello' to a native speaker, only for them to reply at 100 miles an hour in an accent you barely understand. Just smile, nod, and hope your brain catches up eventually.

5) Give Someone the Creeps 🕷️

Meaning: To make someone feel uncomfortable, nervous, or frightened.

An abandoned house? A little creepy. A Strange noise coming from upstairs? Creepier. A deadline you forgot about until just now? Run.

6) Over My Dead Body ☠️

Meaning: An emphatic way of saying you refuse to allow something to happen.

A friend wants to borrow your shiny new pen, but they have a habit of never giving things back. What do you say? Over my dead body.

7) Like a Bat Out of Hell 🦇

Meaning: To move, drive, or act extremely fast or recklessly.

No, not the Meat Loaf song. Think sprinting for the bus when you can already see the doors closing.

8) To be Afraid of One’s Shadow 👤

Meaning: To be extremely timid or easily scared.

Some people love horror; others are afraid of their own shadow. Thankfully, spooky season offers plenty of cosy activities, too.

9) Dance on Someone’s Grave 🪦

Meaning: To celebrate someone’s downfall or failure.

Got top marks on your English test? Time to celebrate! Just try not to dance on anyone’s grave.

10) Witching Hour 🧙‍♀️

Meaning: A time of night traditionally believed to be when supernatural forces are most active.

One more chapter. One more cup of tea. One more scroll through TikTok. Suddenly, it’s the witching hour, and you’ve somehow achieved everything except the night you promised yourself.

🚀 Don’t Fear Your English Lessons

Speaking English doesn’t have to be scary. With flexible, tailored English tuition, a focus on real communication, and a packed social programme, you’ll make rapid progress while fully immersing yourself in British culture.

Get a head start on your New Year’s resolutions and Study English in London, Eastbourne, or Dublin!