Have you ever felt so happy that you couldn’t stop smiling? Maybe you were going to a birthday party, getting a new puppy, or finding out it was a snow day. That big feeling of joy is called excitement. People feel excited for all kinds of reasons—when something fun is about to happen or when they’re doing something they love.
To talk about this feeling, people often use special phrases called idioms. Idioms don’t always mean what the words say, but they make talking about feelings more fun. For example, if someone says, “I’m on cloud nine,” they don’t really mean they’re floating in the sky. It just means they’re very happy. In this article, we’ll learn many idioms that people use to show excitement. You might hear them in movies, books, or even from your friends and family.
Idioms About Excitement
1. On Cloud Nine
Meaning: Feeling very happy or excited
Example Sentence:
• I was on cloud nine when I got my new bike.
• She was on cloud nine after winning the art contest.
Other ways to say: Over the moon, super happy
Fun Fact/Origin: This saying became popular in the 1950s and may have come from weather terms for clouds.
Usage: When someone is very excited about something good.
2. Jump for Joy
Meaning: To be so happy that you want to jump
Example Sentence:
• He jumped for joy when school was canceled.
• I jumped for joy after opening my birthday gift.
Other ways to say: So happy, thrilled
Fun Fact/Origin: People really do jump when they are excited, and this phrase became common for showing that feeling.
Usage: Used when someone is very excited and can’t hold it in.
3. Walking on Air
Meaning: Feeling very light and happy
Example Sentence:
• She was walking on air after the fun fair.
• I felt like I was walking on air after making the basketball team.
Other ways to say: Floating with joy, very happy
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the feeling of being so happy that it feels like you’re not touching the ground.
Usage: Used when someone feels great joy or excitement.
4. Over the Moon
Meaning: Extremely happy or excited
Example Sentence:
• He was over the moon about his new puppy.
• I’m over the moon that my grandma is visiting.
Other ways to say: Very excited, thrilled
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase became popular from a nursery rhyme about a cow jumping over the moon.
Usage: Used when something makes someone very happy.
5. Have a Blast
Meaning: To have a lot of fun
Example Sentence:
• We had a blast at the school carnival.
• I always have a blast playing video games with my cousins.
Other ways to say: Have fun, enjoy a lot
Fun Fact/Origin: “Blast” here means a great time, not an explosion.
Usage: Used when talking about fun and exciting experiences.
6. Tickled Pink
Meaning: Very pleased or amused
Example Sentence:
• She was tickled pink when she saw the surprise party.
• I was tickled pink when my teacher liked my project.
Other ways to say: Pleased, delighted
Fun Fact/Origin: “Tickled” means amused, and “pink” shows a happy blush on the face.
Usage: Used when someone is happy and amused by something.
7. On Top of the World
Meaning: Feeling great or very excited
Example Sentence:
• He felt on top of the world after scoring the winning goal.
• I’m on top of the world because I passed my test.
Other ways to say: Feeling awesome, thrilled
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase paints a picture of someone feeling like they’re above everything.
Usage: Used when someone is very happy and proud.
8. Like a Kid in a Candy Store
Meaning: So excited that you don’t know what to do first
Example Sentence:
• I felt like a kid in a candy store at the theme park.
• She was like a kid in a candy store at the toy shop.
Other ways to say: Super excited, full of joy
Fun Fact/Origin: Kids often get excited in candy stores, so it became a way to show big excitement.
Usage: Used when someone is excited by many fun choices.
9. Can’t Wait
Meaning: Very excited for something to happen
Example Sentence:
• I can’t wait for summer vacation to start.
• She can’t wait to open her birthday gifts.
Other ways to say: So excited, looking forward to it
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase shows how people feel time moves slowly when they’re excited.
Usage: Used when people are excited about something coming soon.
10. All Fired Up
Meaning: Full of energy and excitement
Example Sentence:
• The team was all fired up before the game.
• I was all fired up to see the fireworks show.
Other ways to say: Pumped, very excited
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea of fire burning with energy.
Usage: Used when someone is excited and ready to go.
11. Full of Beans
Meaning: Very energetic and happy
Example Sentence:
• My dog was full of beans at the park.
• He was full of beans after eating candy.
Other ways to say: Energetic, lively
Fun Fact/Origin: In the past, beans were thought to give people energy.
Usage: Used for people who are cheerful and active.
12. Giddy with Excitement
Meaning: So happy that you feel light-headed
Example Sentence:
• I was giddy with excitement before the field trip.
• She was giddy with excitement after seeing the puppy.
Other ways to say: Laughing with joy, overjoyed
Fun Fact/Origin: Giddy means feeling silly or dizzy, often from happiness.
Usage: Used when someone is super happy and can’t stop smiling.
13. In Seventh Heaven
Meaning: Extremely happy
Example Sentence:
• He was in seventh heaven with his ice cream.
• I was in seventh heaven watching my favorite show.
Other ways to say: On cloud nine, over the moon
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from an old idea of different levels of heaven, with the seventh being the best.
Usage: Used when someone feels very happy and lucky.
14. Pumped Up
Meaning: Feeling strong excitement or energy
Example Sentence:
• I’m pumped up for the big game today.
• She was pumped up about her school play.
Other ways to say: Ready, excited
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from pumping air into something to make it strong.
Usage: Used before events where people are excited and ready.
15. Grinning from Ear to Ear
Meaning: Smiling very widely because of excitement
Example Sentence:
• He was grinning from ear to ear after getting a new bike.
• She was grinning from ear to ear when her mom picked her up early.
Other ways to say: Big smile, very happy
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase shows how a person’s smile stretches across their whole face.
Usage: Used when someone is so excited that they can’t stop smiling.
16. Jump Out of My Skin
Meaning: So excited or surprised that you move suddenly
Example Sentence:
• I almost jumped out of my skin when I saw the surprise.
• She jumped out of her skin when the lights came on.
Other ways to say: Shocked, excited
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase means your body reacts without thinking.
Usage: Used for excitement that comes fast and feels sudden.
17. Get a Kick Out Of
Meaning: To enjoy something a lot
Example Sentence:
• I get a kick out of watching cartoons.
• He got a kick out of telling jokes.
Other ways to say: Enjoy, love it
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the feeling of a small jolt of fun, like a “kick.”
Usage: Used when something brings you a fun or exciting feeling.
18. Light Up
Meaning: To suddenly look excited and happy
Example Sentence:
• Her face lit up when she saw her best friend.
• He lit up when they gave him a slice of cake.
Other ways to say: Brighten, smile
Fun Fact/Origin: A happy face can seem as bright as light.
Usage: Used to show excitement that changes a person’s look.
19. In High Spirits
Meaning: Feeling cheerful and excited
Example Sentence:
• The kids were in high spirits before the show.
• Everyone was in high spirits at the picnic.
Other ways to say: Happy, excited
Fun Fact/Origin: “Spirits” can mean mood or feeling.
Usage: Used when someone is acting happy and upbeat.
20. Thrilled to Bits
Meaning: Extremely happy
Example Sentence:
• I was thrilled to bits about the class trip.
• She was thrilled to bits when her brother came home.
Other ways to say: Super excited, overjoyed
Fun Fact/Origin: “Bits” shows something broken into tiny happy pieces.
Usage: Used for big, exciting news or surprises.
21. Go Wild
Meaning: To act really excited or happy
Example Sentence:
• The crowd went wild when the team scored.
• I went wild when I saw the cake.
Other ways to say: Go crazy, get excited
Fun Fact/Origin: People sometimes cheer loudly when excited, like wild behavior.
Usage: Used when someone reacts with loud excitement.
22. Have Butterflies (of Excitement)
Meaning: A nervous, excited feeling in your stomach
Example Sentence:
• I had butterflies before my first piano show.
• He had butterflies before his big race.
Other ways to say: Nervous happy, excited and scared
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from how your stomach feels jumpy, like butterflies flying inside.
Usage: Used when you feel excited and a little nervous too.
23. All Smiles
Meaning: Looking very happy
Example Sentence:
• She was all smiles at the fair.
• He was all smiles after getting an A on the test.
Other ways to say: Smiling, happy
Fun Fact/Origin: A big smile shows how someone feels inside.
Usage: Used when someone is very pleased or excited.
24. Buzzing With Energy
Meaning: Feeling full of excitement and energy
Example Sentence:
• The kids were buzzing with energy before the field trip.
• He was buzzing with energy before the game started.
Other ways to say: Hyper, super excited
Fun Fact/Origin: Buzzing is a sound bees make, and this idiom shows someone is full of movement and noise.
Usage: Used when someone is excited and can’t sit still.
25. Like Fireworks Inside
Meaning: Feeling big excitement or joy
Example Sentence:
• When I saw the gift, it felt like fireworks inside me.
• She felt like fireworks inside when she heard the good news.
Other ways to say: Exploding with joy, super thrilled
Fun Fact/Origin: Fireworks are loud and bright, like strong excitement.
Usage: Used when someone is very excited and happy.
26. Bouncing Off the Walls
Meaning: Very energetic and excited
Example Sentence:
• He was bouncing off the walls before the birthday party.
• The kids were bouncing off the walls after eating cake.
Other ways to say: Very active, can’t sit still
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from how kids act when they’re really excited.
Usage: Used when people are so excited they can’t calm down.
27. Heart Skipped a Beat
Meaning: Feeling surprise and excitement
Example Sentence:
• My heart skipped a beat when I saw my name on the list.
• Her heart skipped a beat when the rollercoaster started.
Other ways to say: Startled, surprised in a fun way
Fun Fact/Origin: This shows how emotions can affect your body.
Usage: Used for quick, exciting surprises.
28. Can’t Stop Smiling
Meaning: So happy that you smile the whole time
Example Sentence:
• I couldn’t stop smiling during the concert.
• She couldn’t stop smiling at the puppy.
Other ways to say: Really happy, full of joy
Fun Fact/Origin: A big smile is a sign of true joy.
Usage: Used when something makes you feel good inside.
29. Buzzing With Joy
Meaning: Feeling excited and full of joy
Example Sentence:
• I was buzzing with joy when I got the part in the play.
• She was buzzing with joy about her sleepover.
Other ways to say: Joyful, very excited
Fun Fact/Origin: “Buzzing” shows movement and excitement.
Usage: Used when someone feels joy and can’t wait to show it.
30. Too Excited to Sit Still
Meaning: So excited that you can’t stay calm
Example Sentence:
• He was too excited to sit still before the trip.
• I was too excited to sit still during the countdown.
Other ways to say: Restless with joy, full of energy
Fun Fact/Origin: People often move around when they feel too excited.
Usage: Used when someone can’t wait and keeps moving.
31. Lit Up Like a Christmas Tree
Meaning: Glowing with excitement and joy
Example Sentence:
• Her face lit up like a Christmas tree when she saw the cake.
• I lit up like a Christmas tree when they called my name.
Other ways to say: Glowing, sparkling with joy
Fun Fact/Origin: Christmas trees are bright and colorful, just like excited faces.
Usage: Used when someone’s face shows their joy.
32. Ready to Burst
Meaning: So full of excitement that it feels hard to hold in
Example Sentence:
• I was ready to burst waiting to tell the secret.
• She was ready to burst with excitement before the dance.
Other ways to say: So excited, can’t keep it in
Fun Fact/Origin: Shows how strong feelings can feel like they’ll explode.
Usage: Used when someone has a lot of excitement inside.
33. Can’t Stop Talking About It
Meaning: So excited that you keep bringing it up
Example Sentence:
• I couldn’t stop talking about the concert.
• He couldn’t stop talking about his birthday gift.
Other ways to say: Obsessed, thrilled
Fun Fact/Origin: Shows how people want to share happy news again and again.
Usage: Used when excitement makes you talk a lot.
34. So Happy I Could Cry
Meaning: Feeling joy so big it brings tears
Example Sentence:
• I was so happy I could cry when my grandma visited.
• She was so happy she could cry at the surprise party.
Other ways to say: Overjoyed, touched
Fun Fact/Origin: Emotions like happiness can make people cry too.
Usage: Used when someone feels deeply happy.
35. Like Winning the Lottery
Meaning: Feeling super lucky and happy
Example Sentence:
• Getting chosen felt like winning the lottery.
• I felt like I won the lottery when I found my lost toy.
Other ways to say: Very lucky, super happy
Fun Fact/Origin: Winning the lottery is very rare and exciting.
Usage: Used when something lucky makes you very happy.
36. Like a Dream Come True
Meaning: Something you always wanted is now real
Example Sentence:
• Getting that dog was like a dream come true.
• The vacation felt like a dream come true.
Other ways to say: Dream fulfilled, wish granted
Fun Fact/Origin: People use this to talk about special exciting events.
Usage: Used when something very exciting finally happens.
37. Can’t Believe My Eyes
Meaning: So surprised or excited that you have to look again
Example Sentence:
• I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the giant cake.
• She couldn’t believe her eyes when her friends shouted “surprise!”
Other ways to say: Shocked, amazed
Fun Fact/Origin: Shows how exciting things don’t seem real at first.
Usage: Used for big surprises that bring joy.
38. Like My Heart is Dancing
Meaning: Feeling joy deep inside
Example Sentence:
• My heart felt like it was dancing when I heard the good news.
• Her heart was dancing when she saw her favorite band.
Other ways to say: Very joyful, excited
Fun Fact/Origin: Dancing hearts show how feelings can move and be joyful.
Usage: Used to describe deep happiness and excitement.
Quiz: Idioms About Excitement
Instructions: Read each question and the answer choices carefully. Pick the letter that best matches the meaning of the phrase or expression.
Question Key
1. What does it mean when someone is on cloud nine?
A) They are really tired
B) They are very happy
C) They are flying an airplane
2. If someone jumped for joy, what did they probably feel?
A) Excitement
B) Anger
C) Confusion
3. What does it mean when someone says I’m over the moon?
A) They are confused
B) They are super happy
C) They are scared
4. If you say someone was like a kid in a candy store, what does it mean?
A) They were crying
B) They were excited with lots of choices
C) They were sleeping
5. What does it mean if someone can’t wait for something?
A) They don’t want to go
B) They’re very excited for it
C) They are running late
6. What does it mean when a person is all fired up?
A) They are mad
B) They are full of energy and ready
C) They are tired
7. If someone is grinning from ear to ear, how do they look?
A) They are frowning
B) They are smiling really big
C) They are sleepy
8. What does it mean to get a kick out of something?
A) You didn’t like it
B) You laughed at it
C) You enjoyed it a lot
9. If someone says their heart skipped a beat, what does that mean?
A) They ran a race
B) They felt excited or surprised
C) They were very calm
10. What does bouncing off the walls mean?
A) Sitting quietly
B) Feeling very sleepy
C) Being full of excitement and energy
11. If someone is buzzing with joy, what are they feeling?
A) Sad
B) Nervous
C) Very happy
12. What does it mean when someone says like my heart is dancing?
A) They feel very happy inside
B) Their heart hurts
C) They feel tired
13. What does can’t stop smiling usually show?
A) The person is angry
B) The person is full of joy
C) The person is thinking
Answer Key
- B – They are very happy
- A – Excitement
- B – They are super happy
- B – They were excited with lots of choices
- B – They’re very excited for it
- B – They are full of energy and ready
- B – They are smiling really big
- C – You enjoyed it a lot
- B – They felt excited or surprised
- C – Being full of excitement and energy
- C – Very happy
- A – They feel very happy inside
- B – The person is full of joy
Wrapping Up
Learning idioms about excitement helps us talk about big feelings in fun ways. These phrases make it easier to show when we’re really happy or full of joy. From “on cloud nine” to “like a kid in a candy store,” each idiom shows how strong emotions can feel.
Next time you’re feeling excited, try using one of these idioms. They make your words more fun and colorful. And now, you can understand them when you hear others use them too.
