riveted to the spot
Unable to move
To be riveted to the spot is to be unable to move, typically because of shock, fear, or intense fascination.
The phrase draws on the image of being fastened in place like metal joined by rivets.
When she saw the accident unfold, she stood riveted to the spot.
Someone riveted to the spot may want to flee or act but finds themselves momentarily paralyzed by what they're witnessing.
- fixationPersistent mental attachment
- shockViolent sudden disturbance
- deer in headlightsParalyzed by sudden shock
- immobilityLack of motion
- fearEmotional response to threat
paralysis · entrancement · attention · motionlessness · rooted to the ground · dread · wonder · mesmerization · awe · struck dumb · astonishment · petrified · turned to stone · rooted · frozen · stopped dead · locked · focus
riveted to the spoton the move
Actively going somewhere
in motion · mobile · free to leave · running away · fleeing
riveted to the spotunfazed
Not disturbed or disconcerted
unperturbed · composed · calm and collected · indifferent · unbothered
rivet, riveted, riveting, rivets, riveter, riveters, spot, spotted, spotting