English Idiom – Butterflies in my stomach.
To feel nervous or anxious. It describes the fluttery, nervous feeling you get in your stomach, usually just before something important happens.
Some people get this feeling when they’re in love, too. The idiom is so common that it’s often shortened to just butterflies: “I had butterflies before my interview.” We usually have or get butterflies.
Usage:
- Before an important exam or test.
- Before a first date or special anniversary.
- Before giving a speech or performing on stage.
- Before a job interview or an important meeting.
Example:
- “I’m going on a date tonight and I’ve got butterflies in my stomach! I’ve liked Tommy for so long. I hope he likes me too.”
As featured on Top 10 Animal Idioms!
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Look it upHave butterflies in one’s stomachWiktionaryWhat 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.
Love animal idioms? See our full list of 50 animal idioms in English, with meanings and examples.
Frequently Asked Questions
A nervous, fluttery feeling in your stomach, usually before something important like an exam, interview or date.
Yes. “I’ve got butterflies” is very common and means the same thing.
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