Happy Idioms and What They Mean
Happiness can come from achievements, surprises, simple pleasures, or moments shared with others, and it’s a feeling people naturally want to express. Having different ways to talk about joy makes those moments easier to describe and adds warmth to everyday language. Below is a selection of happy idioms that capture the many shades of feeling good.
On cloud nine
Extremely happy.
She was on cloud nine after getting the promotion.
Winning the competition left him on cloud nine for days.
Over the moon
Delighted.
They were over the moon when the baby arrived safely.
She was over the moon with her exam results.
Walking on air
Floating with happiness.
After the concert, she was walking on air.
He felt like he was walking on air after hearing the good news.
In seventh heaven
Very joyful.
When he saw his favorite band live, he was in seventh heaven.
The relaxing holiday put her in seventh heaven.
Tickled pink
Pleasantly amused or delighted.
She was tickled pink by the surprise message.
The gift made him tickled pink.
Grinning from ear to ear
Smiling widely.
He walked out of the interview grinning from ear to ear.
She was grinning from ear to ear after hearing the joke.
Like a dog with two tails
Extremely pleased or excited.
He was like a dog with two tails when he got the news.
She looked like a dog with two tails after receiving her ticket to the show.
In high spirits
Cheerful.
The team was in high spirits after the victory.
Despite the rain, everyone remained in high spirits.
Full of beans
Energetic and lively.
The kids were full of beans after the long break.
He came into work full of beans this morning.
On top of the world
Feeling wonderful.
She felt on top of the world after completing her project.
The sunny weather made him feel on top of the world.
Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed
Alert and enthusiastic.
She arrived at the meeting bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.
He started his first day of work bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.
A spring in your step
Moving with energy because of a good mood.
After the compliment, she walked away with a spring in her step.
You can tell he’s happy—there’s a spring in his step today.
Feel like a million bucks
Feel great physically or emotionally.
After a full night of sleep, she felt like a million bucks.
The spa treatment made him feel like a million bucks.
Full of the joys of spring
Very cheerful and enthusiastic.
She came into the office full of the joys of spring.
After the good news, he was full of the joys of spring all day.
