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“肝を抜かれる”: To Be Stunned

The Japanese expression 肝を抜かれる (きもをぬかれる, kimo o nukareru) means to be deeply shocked, astonished, or frightened. It describes a moment when something is so unexpected or impressive that you are left speechless.

 

The word 肝 (きも, kimo) literally refers to the liver, but in older Japanese usage it can also suggest a person’s courage or nerve. 抜かれる means “to be taken out.” Put together, the expression paints a vivid picture: your nerve is taken away, and you are left stunned.

 

For example, you might say 彼の技に肝を抜かれた (Kare no waza ni kimo o nukareta)—“I was amazed by his skill.” Or, after seeing a sudden flash of lightning, 雷の大きな音に肝を抜かれた—“The loud thunder startled me.”

 

English has several expressions with a similar feeling, such as “I was stunned,” “I was blown away,” or “It took my breath away.” The best choice depends on whether the experience was frightening, surprising, or wonderfully impressive.

 

肝を抜かれる is a colorful way to describe that instant when something hits you so powerfully that you can only stand there, amazed.
 
 https://en.bloguru.com/ken/568258/to-be-stunned