Pronunciation: [skˈe͡ə ðə pˈants ˈɒf] (IPA) 
The phrase "scare the pants off" is a colloquialism used to describe a fright or startle so profound, it could metaphorically cause one's pants to jump off. In IPA, this phrase can be transcribed as /skɛr ðə pænts ɔf/. The "s" and "c" sounds are combined to create the initial "sk" sound, while "h" is silent. The "a" sound in "scare" is pronounced as eh or ɛ, and the "e" in "off" is an unstressed schwa or ə sound.
Scare the pants off is an idiomatic expression used to describe a situation or an action that causes extreme fear, terror, or intense fright in someone. It is a colloquial phrase primarily used in informal contexts and is often employed to convey an exaggerated sense of fear.
The phrase itself combines the verb "scare," which means to cause fear or alarm, and the phrase "the pants off," which is an idiomatic way of emphasizing the intensity of the fear experienced. To scare the pants off someone suggests that the fear is so intense that it literally causes them to lose their metaphorical pants, that is, it leaves them absolutely petrified or startled.
For example, if a horror movie is incredibly suspenseful and filled with jump scares and frightening scenes, it may be described as "scaring the pants off" the audience. Similarly, if someone experiences a sudden, unexpected loud noise or a frightening encounter, it might cause them to jump or scream, indicating that it has scared the pants off them.
In a figurative sense, the phrase can also be used to describe situations where someone is frightened or apprehensive about a particular event or outcome. For instance, a person might say, "The idea of public speaking scares the pants off me," indicating that they have a deep and intense fear of speaking in front of others.
