가슴이 철렁했어요 · 가슴이 철렁 내려앉다
one's heart sinks, to be startled (by sudden fear or shock)
Example
아이가 넘어지는 걸 보고 가슴이 철렁했어요.
My heart sank when I saw my child fall.
Word parts
철렁 imitates a sudden heavy jolt, like water sloshing: the heart seems to drop.
Good to know
Usually past tense, for a sudden scare: a late-night phone call, a near accident. Variant: 가슴이 철렁 내려앉다.
Related words