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

The 25-year-old's incredible acrobatic effort was enough to earn a 1-0 win for his side in May and left opposition goalkeeper Ezequiel Centurion rooted to the spot.

From BBC • Dec. 16, 2025

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

From New York Times • Jun. 14, 2023

With two Burnley players attacking the ball, Steffen was distracted and remained rooted to the spot as the ball bounced into his net off the far post.

From BBC • Dec. 17, 2022

I stood rooted to the spot, paralyzed, in thrall to the action before my eyes.

From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel

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