You scared the living daylights out of me

[Bretrick]

Have you ever used this term?
What even are daylights?
Daylights is an 18th century slang term for eyes.
In this context; To scare (or beat) the living (an intensifier that means "very" or "real) daylights means to dish out a merciless beating or frighten someone out of their wits.
I hope you or I never have to use this term literally.

 

[IrishEyes]

It's used so much here in the States we just know it means you startled someone to nearly wetting their pants.

 

[debodun]

"Scared the living daylights out of someone" originated in the late 18th to early 19th century, with "daylights" being slang for eyes or, later, vital senses/consciousness. The phrase implies frightening someone so severely they nearly lose their senses or "darken their eyes". "Living" was added later as an intensifier.

 

[CaliS]

I don't think I've ever said that - but I've heard it

I just say, "ohhhhhhhhhhhh, You scared me!!!!!!"

 

[OldOld]

you scared the shit out of me.

 

[hollydolly]

of course, said it many times from childhood right through to now......