[General] gilden threads/ some hidden nerve/ shook the scarlet of his lips

[vil]

Dear teachers,

Would you tell me whether I am right with my interpretation of the expressions in bold in the following sentences?

The lad started and drew back. He was bareheaded, and the leaves had tossed his rebellious curls and tangled all their gilded threads. There was a look of fear in his eyes, such as people have when they are suddenly awakened. His finely-chiseled nostrils quivered, and some hidden nerve shook the scarlet of his lips and left them trembling.

gilden threads = golden hairs/ringlets/ locks

some hidden nerve = a mysterious flutter/emotion

shook the scarlet of his lips = made his lip grow pale blanch with fear

Thank you for your efforts.

Regards,

V

 

[Tdol]

The last could just be the movement and not a change in the colour IMO.

 

[5jj]

The last could just be the movement and not a change in the colour IMO.

Good point, Tdol. I thought at first only of Vil's interpretation. Yours is also possible.

Your questions are fascinating, Vil. Did you realise that quite a few native speakers would have to think hard about some of the things you ask? I recommend that you don't use the expressions you discover too frequently in your everyday conversation; you would sound a litle strange.