English Idiom – Butterflies in my stomach.

Meaning –  To feel nervous or anxious. This feeling is the nervous feeling you sometimes get in the pit of your stomach. This expression is usually used just before an event that makes you nervous is about to happen.

This idiom originates from a fluttery feeling we get in our stomach. Some people get this feeling in their stomach when they are in love.

This idiom is very common and as such can be shortened to just butterflies.

  • “I had butterflies before my interview.”

Usage:

When could you use this idiom?

  • Before an important exam or test.
  • Discussing a first date or special anniversary.
  • Describing the feeling you get before making a speech in public or performing on stage.
  • Before you attend a job interview or an important meeting.

Example:

  • “I’m going on a date tonight and I have butterflies in my stomach! I’ve liked Tommy for so long. I hope he likes me too.”

In The News:

Teenager mistakes heart attack for ‘butterflies in stomach’ after dancing with a boy

Discuss:

  • Is there an idiom like this in your country?

As Featured On Top 10 Animal Idioms!

What is an idiom?

An idiom is a word or phrase that is not taken literally.  An idiom is an expression that cannot be understood from the meanings of its individual words, but has a separate meaning of its own.

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