hair-raising和中国俗语“寒毛直竖”很相像。据说巨大的恐惧能使人体的毛发或者猫身上的毛往上竖立起来。hair-raising就是令人毛骨悚然的；使人毛发直立的；惊险的。

【例句】
We all love to frighten ourselves by going on hair-raising rides at funfairs.
我们都喜欢坐上游艺节惊险刺激的乘骑设施体验恐惧的乐趣。

Her truck is a very large pickup which she drives at hair-raising speeds.
她开一辆大货，开起来时速度快得吓人。