Excitement is one of the most powerful emotions people experience, and the English language has countless creative ways to express it. One of the most colorful ways to talk about excitement is through idioms.
Idioms are expressions whose meanings are not literal but figurative. They make language more vivid, natural, and fun to use. Instead of simply saying “I am very excited”, you can say “I’m over the moon” or “I’m buzzing with energy.”
These expressions don’t just describe emotions — they paint pictures in the listener’s mind, making your communication more engaging and expressive.
Learning idioms for being excited can help English learners sound more fluent, natural, and even impressive in conversations, whether you’re chatting with friends, writing creatively, or speaking in a professional setting.
Let’s explore a wide collection of idioms that capture the joy, thrill, and enthusiasm of excitement.
Did You Know?
The idiom “jump for joy” goes back to the 16th century, when people literally expressed their happiness by leaping into the air. Many idioms for excitement are connected to movement, energy, or even flying, because excitement often feels like being lifted or unable to sit still!
Idioms About Pure Joy and Happiness
Over the Moon
Meaning: Extremely happy or excited.
Example: She was over the moon when she got the job offer.
Alternative: On cloud nine
Note: Common in both formal and informal English.
On Cloud Nine
Meaning: Feeling extremely joyful.
Example: After winning the competition, he was on cloud nine for days.
Alternative: In seventh heaven
Note: Popular in everyday conversations.
In Seventh Heaven
Meaning: Experiencing ultimate happiness.
Example: When she met her favorite singer, she felt in seventh heaven.
Alternative: On top of the world
Note: Slightly poetic, often used in personal stories.
On Top of the World
Meaning: Feeling extremely successful or excited.
Example: Graduating with honors made him feel on top of the world.
Alternative: Walking on air
Note: Suitable for formal and informal situations.
Walking on Air
Meaning: Feeling light and joyful, as if floating.
Example: She’s been walking on air since the wedding.
Alternative: Overjoyed
Note: Often used to describe long-lasting happiness.
Tickled Pink
Meaning: Very pleased and excited.
Example: He was tickled pink when his friends threw him a surprise party.
Alternative: Delighted
Note: Informal and playful.
Full of the Joys of Spring
Meaning: Very happy and energetic.
Example: She came into work full of the joys of spring.
Alternative: Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed
Note: British English, cheerful expression.
Like a Kid in a Candy Store
Meaning: Overly excited by many choices or opportunities.
Example: He was like a kid in a candy store at the tech fair.
Alternative: As happy as a clam
Note: Informal, fun expression.
Idioms About Energy and Restlessness
Jumping for Joy
Meaning: Physically expressing excitement by jumping.
Example: The children were jumping for joy when school was canceled.
Alternative: Leaping with excitement
Note: Everyday usage, especially for visible excitement.
Buzzing with Excitement
Meaning: Energetic and lively due to excitement.
Example: The city was buzzing with excitement before the concert.
Alternative: Thrilled to bits
Note: Very common in informal spoken English.
On the Edge of One’s Seat
Meaning: Extremely eager or excited, often while waiting.
Example: The audience was on the edge of their seats during the final scene.
Alternative: Hanging onto every word
Note: Common in storytelling and media.
Can’t Contain Myself
Meaning: So excited that it’s hard to stay calm.
Example: I can’t contain myself — tomorrow’s the big day!
Alternative: Bursting with excitement
Note: Informal, personal.
Bursting at the Seams
Meaning: Overloaded with excitement.
Example: She was bursting at the seams to share the good news.
Alternative: Fit to burst
Note: Daily conversations, lighthearted tone.
Jumping Out of My Skin
Meaning: So excited that it feels uncontrollable.
Example: I’m jumping out of my skin about the trip next week.
Alternative: Can’t sit still
Note: Informal, expressive.
A Bundle of Energy
Meaning: Extremely lively and excited.
Example: The kids were a bundle of energy at the park.
Alternative: Full of beans
Note: Used for energetic people, often children.
Full of Beans
Meaning: Lively, enthusiastic, and excited.
Example: He was full of beans after hearing the news.
Alternative: Raring to go
Note: Informal and cheerful.
Raring to Go
Meaning: Very eager and ready for something.
Example: The players were raring to go before the big game.
Alternative: All fired up
Note: Common in sports and work contexts.
All Fired Up
Meaning: Extremely enthusiastic.
Example: The crowd was all fired up before the speech.
Alternative: Pumped up
Note: Popular in American English.
Pumped Up
Meaning: Excited and energetic, often before an event.
Example: The athletes were pumped up for the final match.
Alternative: Hyped up
Note: Informal, sporty expression.
Hyped Up
Meaning: Extremely excited, sometimes excessively.
Example: The kids were hyped up after eating candy.
Alternative: Overexcited
Note: Common in informal contexts.
Idioms About Anticipation and Thrill
Can’t Wait
Meaning: Eagerly looking forward to something.
Example: I can’t wait to see the new movie.
Alternative: Looking forward to
Note: Extremely common daily expression.
Like a Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
Meaning: Restlessly excited or nervous.
Example: He was like a cat on a hot tin roof waiting for the results.
Alternative: Jittery with excitement
Note: Informal, descriptive.
Bouncing Off the Walls
Meaning: Too excited to sit still.
Example: The kids were bouncing off the walls before the party.
Alternative: Hyperactive
Note: Informal, often used for children.
Like a Dog with Two Tails
Meaning: Extremely happy and thrilled.
Example: He was like a dog with two tails when he got the promotion.
Alternative: Grinning ear to ear
Note: British English, humorous.
Grinning from Ear to Ear
Meaning: Smiling widely due to excitement.
Example: She was grinning from ear to ear after her win.
Alternative: Beaming with joy
Note: Common in casual settings.
Eyes Sparkling
Meaning: Showing excitement through shining eyes.
Example: The children’s eyes were sparkling with excitement.
Alternative: Bright-eyed
Note: Poetic, descriptive.
Starry-Eyed
Meaning: Overexcited with admiration or dreams.
Example: She was starry-eyed about meeting her idol.
Alternative: Dreamy-eyed
Note: Often used in romantic or idealistic contexts.
Giddy with Excitement
Meaning: Light-headed and thrilled.
Example: He was giddy with excitement about his first flight.
Alternative: Dizzy with joy
Note: Informal, emotional.
Heart Racing
Meaning: Excited anticipation.
Example: Her heart was racing as she waited backstage.
Alternative: Pulse quickening
Note: Used in both thrill and nervous excitement.
Butterflies in the Stomach
Meaning: Nervous excitement.
Example: I had butterflies in my stomach before my first performance.
Alternative: Jitters
Note: Common worldwide, informal.
Idioms Showing Thrill and Passion
Thrilled to Bits
Meaning: Extremely excited.
Example: She was thrilled to bits with her new phone.
Alternative: Delighted
Note: British English, friendly tone.
Beside Myself with Excitement
Meaning: So excited it feels overwhelming.
Example: I was beside myself with excitement before the wedding.
Alternative: Overcome with joy
Note: Formal and informal usage.
Electrified
Meaning: Filled with thrilling excitement.
Example: The crowd was electrified by the performance.
Alternative: Charged up
Note: Often used for groups/events.
A Real Buzz
Meaning: A strong feeling of excitement or thrill.
Example: There was a real buzz at the festival.
Alternative: Thrill
Note: Informal, often group excitement.
High as a Kite
Meaning: Extremely excited (sometimes due to joy or energy).
Example: She was high as a kite after the good news.
Alternative: Ecstatic
Note: Informal, but context matters.
Ecstatic
Meaning: Overjoyed, extremely thrilled.
Example: They were ecstatic about the victory.
Alternative: Elated
Note: Works in formal and informal usage.
Thrilled to the Core
Meaning: Deeply excited or happy.
Example: He was thrilled to the core by the applause.
Alternative: Moved with joy
Note: Slightly poetic, formal or informal.
How to Use These Idioms in Daily Life
- Speaking: Use these idioms in conversations to sound more natural. Instead of saying “I’m very happy,” say “I’m over the moon.”
- Writing: In stories, essays, or blogs, idioms add color and make your writing lively.
- Professional Usage: While not all idioms are suitable for formal writing, some like “on top of the world” or “thrilled to bits” work well in speeches, presentations, and team emails to show enthusiasm.
Common Mistakes Learners Make With Idioms
- Wrong Idiom in Wrong Context
❌ I was on cloud nine about the scary movie.
✅ I was on the edge of my seat during the scary movie. - Mixing Idioms Incorrectly
❌ I was over the moon on the edge of my seat.
✅ Use one idiom at a time for clarity. - Literal Translation
❌ Trying to translate idioms word-for-word from another language often leads to confusion. Stick to the English versions as they are.
FAQs
1. What are idioms for being excited?
They are expressions that describe happiness, thrill, or anticipation in creative ways, like “over the moon” or “bouncing off the walls.”
2. Can I use excitement idioms in formal writing?
Some idioms work in formal contexts, such as “on top of the world”, while others like “hyped up” are too informal. Choose based on your audience.
3. Are idioms for excitement the same in British and American English?
Many overlap, but some differ. For example, “thrilled to bits” is common in British English, while “pumped up” is more American.
4. How can I remember idioms easily?
Practice using them in conversations and connect the idiom with a mental image, like flying for “walking on air.”
5. Do native speakers really use these idioms?
Yes! Native speakers often use them in casual conversations, media, and storytelling to express emotions vividly.
Conclusion
Excitement is a universal feeling, and English offers dozens of colorful idioms to capture it. From “on cloud nine” to “bouncing off the walls,” these expressions bring life and energy to everyday conversations.
By learning and practicing them, you’ll not only expand your vocabulary but also sound more natural and expressive.
Next time you feel thrilled, don’t just say “I’m happy” — pick one of these idioms and let your English sparkle with enthusiasm.
