rooted to the spot

Idioms

Not moving, especially owing to some strong emotion. For example, When the truck bore down on the dog, he was terrified and stood rooted to the spot. This idiom likens the roots of a plant to a strong feeling that keeps one from moving.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

There was little between them in the second set, until Keys broke for 5-3 with a devastating forehand return that left Pliskova rooted to the spot.

From Barron's • Jan. 24, 2026

I don’t know how long I stood there, rooted to the spot, reading and turning pages.

From New York Times • Jun. 14, 2023

It took the hosts just three minutes after the restart to make the man advantage count as Odoffin found space to unleash a strike which left goalkeeper Zac Steffen rooted to the spot.

From BBC • May 1, 2023

Messi, making his fourth appearance for PSG since leaving Barcelona, ran from the halfway line before playing a one-two with Kylian Mbappe and leaving Ederson rooted to the spot with a lovely 20-yard shot.

From BBC • Sep. 28, 2021

An electric current seemed to course through Harry, jangling his every nerve as he stood rooted to the spot.

From "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023