what is the meaning of the phrases frightened the life out,got down on hands and knees and stuck his nose in the air
"frightened the life out of" means very scared frightened, an exaggeration or a bit of hyperbole since the frightened person is still alive.
"got down on hands and knees" is a metaphor for begging, as for mercy at the hands of a tormenter. "He got down on his hands and knees and begged for forgiveness."
"stuck his nose in the air" is a metaphor for snobbery or disdain, as if something smells bad and the person is trying to avoid the odor. "He didn't speak to me as he walked past with his nose in the air."