Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

be-as-stiff-as-a-board

Idiom
/bi æz stɪf æz ə bɔrd/
Definition
To be very rigid, inflexible, or unmoving, often used to describe a person’s posture or a reaction.
Examples
  • When she heard the shocking news, she was as stiff as a board, unable to process what was happening.
  • The soldier stood as stiff as a board during the inspection.
  • He was as stiff as a board from sitting in that chair for hours.
Meaning
This phrase is used to convey the idea of being extremely tense or unable to bend, either physically or metaphorically.
Synonyms
  • rigid
  • inflexible
  • immobile
  • tense
  • stilted