English Idiom – Over the Moon
Meaning – Extremely happy or delighted about something.
This expression is used when someone is thrilled about good news or a positive outcome — more than just “happy,” it suggests real, visible delight.
Example – “I was over the moon when I found out I got the job!”
When could you use this idiom?
- You’ve just received great news — a job offer, an exam result, an engagement.
- A friend or family member finally achieves something they’ve worked hard for.
- You want to express genuine delight, not just mild pleasure.
Did you know? The phrase is recorded as far back as 1857, in the diary of a Victorian aristocrat describing her family’s reaction to a birth announcement — long before it became a football cliché. It only became closely associated with football in the late 1970s, when the satirical magazine Private Eye began publishing English managers’ post-match quotes, pairing a win (“over the moon”) against a loss (“sick as a parrot“). Most word historians trace the phrase itself back further still, to the old nursery rhyme in which the cow jumps over the moon. (source)
Similar 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.
What is FunkyEnglish?
FunkyEnglish is a website that helps you improve your English. We offer quick lessons that teach idioms, slang, phrasal verbs and more. Visit our homepage to see our latest articles, or use the menu to find specific content!