People in the USA often use special phrases to describe fun times, good moods, and enjoying the little things in life. These phrases are called idioms. Idioms help make conversations more fun and easier to understand. Instead of saying, “I’m really happy,” someone might say, “I’m on cloud nine.” That sounds more interesting, right?
In this article, we will look at idioms that talk about enjoying life. These idioms are easy to remember and fun to say. You may hear them in TV shows, songs, or from friends and family. If you learn them, you can use them to sound more natural and express yourself better. Many of these idioms come from everyday life in America, so they’re great to know if you live in the USA or want to understand American culture better.
Idioms About Enjoying Life
1. On cloud nine
Meaning: Feeling very happy
Example Sentence:
• I was on cloud nine after we won the baseball game.
• She was on cloud nine when she got her puppy.
Other ways to say: Overjoyed, super happy
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase may come from a 1950s weather chart that listed cloud number nine as the highest and fluffiest.
Usage: Used when someone feels really happy.
2. Have a blast
Meaning: To have a lot of fun
Example Sentence:
• We had a blast at the amusement park.
• He had a blast at his birthday party.
Other ways to say: Have fun, enjoy a lot
Fun Fact/Origin: “Blast” once meant a loud party or exciting event.
Usage: Used when someone has a really good time.
3. Live it up
Meaning: Enjoy life in a big way
Example Sentence:
• They lived it up on their trip to Florida.
• After school ended, we lived it up at the beach.
Other ways to say: Celebrate, enjoy life
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from enjoying life to the fullest.
Usage: Used when someone is enjoying life without worries.
4. Paint the town red
Meaning: Go out and have fun
Example Sentence:
• After graduation, they painted the town red.
• My parents went to paint the town red last weekend.
Other ways to say: Go out, have a night out
Fun Fact/Origin: From the 1800s, when people celebrated loudly and colorfully.
Usage: Used when people go out to party or celebrate.
5. Walk on sunshine
Meaning: Feel very cheerful
Example Sentence:
• She was walking on sunshine after getting an A+.
• I felt like walking on sunshine when I saw my dog again.
Other ways to say: Feel great, be joyful
Fun Fact/Origin: Made popular by the song “Walking on Sunshine.”
Usage: Used when someone is feeling extra cheerful.
6. Have the time of your life
Meaning: Have the best experience ever
Example Sentence:
• I had the time of my life at summer camp.
• They had the time of their lives at the concert.
Other ways to say: Best time, amazing moment
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase became more known after a popular movie in the 1980s.
Usage: Used when describing a great memory or moment.
7. Without a care in the world
Meaning: Relaxed and not worried
Example Sentence:
• He played in the park without a care in the world.
• They sang loudly without a care in the world.
Other ways to say: Carefree, relaxed
Fun Fact/Origin: This shows total joy and peace, often seen in kids.
Usage: Used when someone feels happy and worry-free.
8. Life’s a bowl of cherries
Meaning: Life is good and full of joy
Example Sentence:
• Grandma says life’s a bowl of cherries when we’re all together.
• With summer break here, life’s a bowl of cherries.
Other ways to say: Life is sweet, things are great
Fun Fact/Origin: From a 1930s song that meant life can be enjoyable.
Usage: Used when life feels fun and easy.
9. Full of beans
Meaning: Very energetic and excited
Example Sentence:
• The kids were full of beans at the zoo.
• I’m full of beans after that ice cream!
Other ways to say: Energetic, full of life
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from farm animals being lively after eating beans.
Usage: Used when someone is full of energy.
10. Soak up the sun
Meaning: Enjoy being outside in sunny weather
Example Sentence:
• We soaked up the sun at the beach.
• She loves to soak up the sun in the backyard.
Other ways to say: Enjoy sunshine, sunbathe
Fun Fact/Origin: Often used by people on vacation or outdoors.
Usage: Used when someone is enjoying the sunny weather.
11. In high spirits
Meaning: Feeling very happy and cheerful
Example Sentence:
• Everyone was in high spirits at the picnic.
• She was in high spirits after her art show.
Other ways to say: Happy, cheerful
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea of a “spirit” or mood being lifted.
Usage: Used when someone is feeling extra joyful.
12. Live life to the fullest
Meaning: Enjoy every moment of life
Example Sentence:
• Grandpa says to live life to the fullest every day.
• She lives life to the fullest by trying new things.
Other ways to say: Make the most of life, enjoy everything
Fun Fact/Origin: Often used in quotes and life advice in the USA.
Usage: Used to describe someone who enjoys every part of life.
13. Feel on top of the world
Meaning: Feel amazing or successful
Example Sentence:
• I felt on top of the world after winning the game.
• He was on top of the world after learning to swim.
Other ways to say: Very happy, super proud
Fun Fact/Origin: Suggests being so happy, you feel like you’re above everything.
Usage: Used after big successes or happy news.
14. Grinning from ear to ear
Meaning: Smiling widely
Example Sentence:
• He was grinning from ear to ear when he saw the puppy.
• She grinned from ear to ear after opening her gift.
Other ways to say: Huge smile, very happy
Fun Fact/Origin: This describes a big, cheerful smile that reaches across the face.
Usage: Used when someone is visibly very happy.
15. Like a kid in a candy store
Meaning: Super excited
Example Sentence:
• He looked like a kid in a candy store at the toy shop.
• I felt like a kid in a candy store at the carnival.
Other ways to say: Overjoyed, thrilled
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from how kids react in actual candy stores—wide-eyed and excited.
Usage: Used when someone is really excited about choices or fun.
16. Having a ball
Meaning: Having a great time
Example Sentence:
• The kids were having a ball at the water park.
• I had a ball at the dance.
Other ways to say: Having fun, enjoying yourself
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from old-style fancy parties called “balls.”
Usage: Used when someone is enjoying an activity or event.
17. Good vibes
Meaning: Positive feelings
Example Sentence:
• There were good vibes at the beach party.
• She brings good vibes wherever she goes.
Other ways to say: Positive energy, happy feeling
Fun Fact/Origin: Became popular in the USA in the 1960s during music festivals.
Usage: Used to describe a positive mood or setting.
18. Happy camper
Meaning: Someone who is happy
Example Sentence:
• After eating lunch, he was a happy camper.
• She’s a happy camper when she’s outside.
Other ways to say: Cheerful person, someone pleased
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from camping, where a camper is usually content.
Usage: Used for people who are satisfied or glad.
19. Just peachy
Meaning: Everything is fine
Example Sentence:
• “How’s your day?” “Just peachy!”
• He said everything was just peachy at school.
Other ways to say: Fine, doing well
Fun Fact/Origin: Peaches are sweet, so it means things are sweet or good.
Usage: Often used in casual, friendly talks.
20. Over the moon
Meaning: Very happy and excited
Example Sentence:
• I was over the moon when I saw my grandma.
• He was over the moon after getting his game.
Other ways to say: Very joyful, super happy
Fun Fact/Origin: Came from old nursery rhymes and stories.
Usage: Used to describe extreme joy.
21. Living the dream
Meaning: Living a happy or ideal life
Example Sentence:
• “You get to surf every day?” “Yep, living the dream!”
• She’s living the dream as a dancer.
Other ways to say: Doing great, life is good
Fun Fact/Origin: Often said by people who love what they do.
Usage: Used when someone enjoys their daily life.
22. Let your hair down
Meaning: Relax and be yourself
Example Sentence:
• It’s the weekend—time to let your hair down.
• She let her hair down at the party.
Other ways to say: Chill, be yourself
Fun Fact/Origin: From times when women wore their hair up formally.
Usage: Used when people relax after being serious.
23. The time flies when you’re having fun
Meaning: Fun moments go by fast
Example Sentence:
• Camp ended too soon—time flies when you’re having fun.
• We were surprised the movie was over already.
Other ways to say: Fun times feel short
Fun Fact/Origin: This saying is common across the USA.
Usage: Used to explain how fast fun times feel.
24. All smiles
Meaning: Very happy
Example Sentence:
• She was all smiles after winning.
• We were all smiles after the game.
Other ways to say: Smiling, joyful
Fun Fact/Origin: People naturally smile when they’re happy, so it shows joy.
Usage: Used to show someone is really cheerful.
25. Have a good laugh
Meaning: Laugh and enjoy a fun moment
Example Sentence:
• We had a good laugh watching the movie.
• I had a good laugh with my cousins.
Other ways to say: Giggle, chuckle
Fun Fact/Origin: Laughing is known to help people feel better.
Usage: Used for moments that are fun and full of laughter.
26. Take it easy
Meaning: Relax, don’t worry
Example Sentence:
• After school, I take it easy with a snack.
• Dad said to take it easy on the weekend.
Other ways to say: Relax, calm down
Fun Fact/Origin: Common advice from American parents or teachers.
Usage: Used when telling someone to slow down or rest.
27. Like a breath of fresh air
Meaning: Something new and pleasant
Example Sentence:
• Her ideas were like a breath of fresh air.
• The picnic was a breath of fresh air.
Other ways to say: Refreshing, nice change
Fun Fact/Origin: This comes from enjoying real fresh air after being inside.
Usage: Used when something feels new and nice.
28. Lighten up
Meaning: Don’t be too serious
Example Sentence:
• Come on, lighten up—it’s just a game!
• He told her to lighten up and have fun.
Other ways to say: Cheer up, relax
Fun Fact/Origin: Suggests feeling lighter and more cheerful
Usage: Used when someone is being too serious or worried.
29. Fun and games
Meaning: Easygoing and enjoyable activities
Example Sentence:
• Summer camp is full of fun and games.
• It’s not all fun and games—sometimes we study too.
Other ways to say: Playtime, light moments
Fun Fact/Origin: Used to show playful or silly times.
Usage: Often used with kids’ activities or joking around.
30. Smile from ear to ear
Meaning: Smile very wide
Example Sentence:
• She smiled from ear to ear after seeing her dog.
• He had a smile from ear to ear when he scored.
Other ways to say: Big grin, huge smile
Fun Fact/Origin: Shows someone is super happy.
Usage: Used when someone is showing joy.
31. Brighten someone’s day
Meaning: Make someone feel better
Example Sentence:
• Her kind words brightened my day.
• The card he gave me brightened my day.
Other ways to say: Cheer up, make someone happy
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea of bringing light to someone’s mood.
Usage: Used when someone does something nice.
32. Have your moment in the sun
Meaning: Enjoy attention or success
Example Sentence:
• She had her moment in the sun at the talent show.
• He had his moment in the sun when his video went viral.
Other ways to say: Enjoy spotlight, feel proud
Fun Fact/Origin: Sunlight stands for success or good feelings.
Usage: Used when someone gets attention or wins.
33. Life is good
Meaning: Things are going well
Example Sentence:
• With pizza, friends, and a movie—life is good.
• “You look happy.” “Yep, life is good.”
Other ways to say: All is well, everything is nice
Fun Fact/Origin: Common in American slogans and shirts.
Usage: Used when things feel comfortable and fun.
34. Take joy in the little things
Meaning: Be happy with small things
Example Sentence:
• She takes joy in the little things like sunsets.
• He takes joy in his morning cocoa.
Other ways to say: Enjoy small moments, appreciate life
Fun Fact/Origin: Often used in stories and life lessons in the USA.
Usage: Used when someone enjoys simple pleasures.
35. Be in seventh heaven
Meaning: Be extremely happy
Example Sentence:
• He was in seventh heaven with his new dog.
• I was in seventh heaven after getting picked for the team.
Other ways to say: Super happy, thrilled
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from ancient ideas about heaven having levels.
Usage: Used when someone is feeling pure joy.
36. Eat, drink, and be merry
Meaning: Enjoy life while you can
Example Sentence:
• At the feast, they ate, drank, and were merry.
• Let’s eat, drink, and be merry—it’s a holiday!
Other ways to say: Celebrate, enjoy now
Fun Fact/Origin: From old sayings and holiday traditions.
Usage: Used when people gather to celebrate.
37. Jump for joy
Meaning: Feel so happy you can’t sit still
Example Sentence:
• She jumped for joy when she saw her gift.
• He jumped for joy after hitting a home run.
Other ways to say: Be thrilled, dance with joy
Fun Fact/Origin: Real joy can make people jump around.
Usage: Used when someone is excited.
38. Smile like there’s no tomorrow
Meaning: Smile without holding back
Example Sentence:
• She smiled like there’s no tomorrow at her party.
• He smiled like there’s no tomorrow after hearing the good news.
Other ways to say: Smile big, be full of joy
Fun Fact/Origin: Means enjoying life so much that you forget everything else.
Usage: Used when someone is totally happy at the moment.
Quiz: Idioms About Enjoying Life
Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question. These questions will test how well you understand idioms about enjoying life. Pick the answer that makes the most sense.
Question Key
1. What does “on cloud nine” mean?
A) Riding in an airplane
B) Feeling very happy
C) Looking at clouds
2. If someone says “we had a blast,” what do they mean?
A) They were in a loud place
B) They had a lot of fun
C) Something exploded
3. What does “paint the town red” mean?
A) Color buildings red
B) Decorate a city
C) Go out and have fun
4. If you are “grinning from ear to ear,” how do you feel?
A) Sad
B) Angry
C) Very happy
5. What does it mean to “soak up the sun”?
A) Stay inside all day
B) Enjoy sunshine outside
C) Use sunscreen indoors
6. If someone says they are “in high spirits,” how are they feeling?
A) Excited or happy
B) Tired
C) Angry
7. “Like a kid in a candy store” means someone is:
A) Looking for candy
B) Overexcited and happy
C) Waiting in line
8. What does “jump for joy” mean?
A) Take a big leap
B) Run away quickly
C) Feel so happy you could jump
9. If someone is “walking on sunshine,” how are they feeling?
A) Very cheerful
B) Hot
C) Tired
10. “Just peachy” means:
A) Something is sweet
B) Everything is fine
C) You want fruit
11. What does “eat, drink, and be merry” suggest?
A) Go on a diet
B) Enjoy the moment
C) Take a break
12. If someone “lets their hair down,” they are:
A) Combing their hair
B) Relaxing and being themselves
C) Taking a nap
13. “Smile like there’s no tomorrow” means:
A) Smile while sleeping
B) Smile as big as possible
C) Save your smile for later
Answer Key
- B – Feeling very happy
- B – They had a lot of fun
- C – Go out and have fun
- C – Very happy
- B – Enjoy sunshine outside
- A – Excited or happy
- B – Overexcited and happy
- C – Feel so happy you could jump
- A – Very cheerful
- B – Everything is fine
- B – Enjoy the moment
- B – Relaxing and being themselves
- B – Smile as big as possible
Wrapping Up
Idioms make it easier to talk about happy times. These sayings are fun and help describe feelings in simple ways. People in the USA use them every day—in movies, music, or just chatting with friends. Now that you know these idioms about enjoying life, you can use them too.
Whether you’re at school, with family, or hanging out with friends, try using one. They add color to your words and make talking more fun. Keep smiling and enjoy life—one idiom at a time.
