Nov 7, 2022
Idioms about Joy and Happiness
Idioms to express happiness
There are a number of idiomatic expressions that describe happiness. Read on to know the meanings and usages of some of them.
1. On top of the world
This expression is used to describe extreme happiness. This idiom is very popular and is the title of some popular songs. (Check out the songs titled ‘Top of the World’ by the Carpenters and Imagine Dragons).
Example: Nikita was on top of the world when she got her driving license.
2. On cloud nine
This expression is also used to indicate that someone is extremely happy. ‘Cloud nine" is believed to originate from a type of thunder cloud which can rise to over 12,000 meters above the ground.
Example : I was on cloud nine when I saw the results!
4. In seventh heaven
This expression is similar to the previous one. It refers to a state of perfect happiness. ‘Seventh heaven’ is considered to be the highest level of heaven by certain religions.
Example: Sunil was in seventh heaven when he heard that he got the job!
5. Over the moon
You can use this idiom when you are very pleased with something. This expression is considered to originate from the nursery rhyme ‘Hey Diddle Diddle’ which has the line ‘the cat jumped over the moon.
Example: His friends are over the moon because Brazil is in the knockout round.
6. Walking on air
This phrase is used to describe when you are so happy that you feel like you are floating.
Example : She’s been walking on air ever since her engagement.
7. As happy as a clam
The complete version of this idiom is ‘as happy as a clam at high tide. Clams are a type of shellfish and when the clams are open, they look like they are smiling. Additionally, as clams are safe from predators during high tide, this can be considered the time when they are most happy.
Example: He is always as happy as a clam in the library.
8. Like a dog with two tails
This expression is used to describe someone who is quite happy. Dogs usually express their happiness by wagging their tails, so you would consider a dog with two tails to be twice as happy.
Example: Tony will be like a dog with two tails when he hears he got the visa!
9. Having a whale of a time
This idiom is used to talk about enjoying oneself immensely. As the whale is the largest mammal on earth, it is used in this expression to represent a large amount of enjoyment or happiness.
Example: We had a whale of a time at the office party.
10. Guilty pleasure
Meaning: Enjoying something which is not generally held in high regard, while at the same time feeling a bit guilty about it, is called a guilty pleasure.
Example: I know these gossip magazines are trashy, but reading them on my commute home is my guilty pleasure!
11. Happy-go-lucky
Meaning: If you are a happy-go-lucky person, you are cheerful and carefree all the time.
Example: He’s a happy-go-lucky sort of guy – always in good humour.
12. Have a ball
Meaning: To have a very enjoyable time
Example: The kids really had a ball at the birthday party—they won’t stop talking about it!
13.. Tickled pink
Meaning : very much pleased or entertained
Example: I suggest picking some flowers for your girlfriend. I’m sure she’ll be tickled pink and she won’t refuse your proposal.
Idioms To Express Joy
1. Be a barrel of laughs
Meaning: To be fun, funny, and pleasant.
Example: I always have so much fun when Katie’s around—she’s a barrel of laughs!
2. With bells on
Meaning: Eagerly, willingly, and on time.
Example: All the smiling children were there waiting for me with bells on their toes.
3. Blow away the cobwebs
Meaning: If something blows away the cobwebs, it makes you feel more lively and refreshes your ideas.
Example: When was the last time you left the house? Come on, get out there and blow away the cobwebs!
4. Chill out
Meaning: Do something that helps them to calm down and relax for a while.
Example: Just chill out—panicking about being late won’t make me drive any faster.
5. In one’s element
Meaning: In a situation which is entirely suitable, familiar, or enjoyable.
Example: You can tell he’s completely in his element when he’s talking about fossils.
6. Feast your eyes on
Meaning: To take great pleasure in looking at someone or something
Example: If you’re looking for new kitchen utensils, feast your eyes on these goodies.
7. Be footloose and fancy-free
Meaning: To be free of responsibilities, including romantic commitments
Example: I love being a single woman, so I intend to be footloose and fancy-free for a long time.
8. In full swing
Meaning: When something, such as an event, gets into full swing, it is at its busiest or liveliest time.
For Example: After a slow start, the convention is now in full swing.
9. Full of the joys of spring
Meaning: Very happy, enthusiastic, and full of energy
Example: You look full of the joys of spring this morning.
10. Grin from ear to ear
This idiom describes a person’s broad smile that shows extreme happiness.
Example: Kavitha was grinning from ear to ear as she exited the exam hall.
11. Tickled pink
This expression is used when you are very pleased about something. ‘Tickled pink’ denotes a person being so pleased by something that they glow with happiness.
Example: Tania was tickled pink when she saw the gift her friends had sent her.
12. Music to your ears
This idiom is used to describe the situation when the information you come to know makes you very happy.
Example: The financial team’s annual presentation was music to the ears of the CEO.
By undefined
11 notes ・ 37 views
English
Beginner