Feeling excited is part of life, and idioms make expressing that joy more colorful and engaging. They add personality to your speech and writing naturally.
This article explains over 60 idioms for excitement with clear meanings, examples in sentences, and easy alternative ways to say each one. You’ll learn how to use them in daily conversations and writing, making your language more lively, relatable, and fun for readers.
What Are Idioms for Excitement?
Idioms for excitement are figurative expressions that describe feelings of enthusiasm, joy, anticipation, and thrill. These phrases go beyond literal meanings to paint vivid pictures of emotional states.
Understanding and using these idioms can make your English more natural, expressive, and engaging in both personal and professional contexts.
Complete List of Idioms about Excitement
1. Over the Moon
Meaning: Extremely happy and excited about something
In a Sentence:
- Sarah was over the moon when she got accepted into her dream university.
- The children were over the moon about the surprise trip to the amusement park.
Other Ways to Say:
- Thrilled beyond words
- Ecstatic with joy
2. On Cloud Nine
Meaning: In a state of perfect happiness and excitement
In a Sentence:
- After winning the championship, the team was on cloud nine for weeks.
- I’ve been on cloud nine ever since I got engaged to my partner.
Other Ways to Say:
- Walking on air
- In seventh heaven
3. Jump for Joy
Meaning: To be so excited that you want to jump up and down
In a Sentence:
- The fans jumped for joy when their favorite band announced a reunion tour.
- She jumped for joy when she found out she got the promotion.
Other Ways to Say:
- Leap with excitement
- Dance with happiness
4. Like a Kid in a Candy Store
Meaning: Extremely excited and enthusiastic, like a child surrounded by treats
In a Sentence:
- John was like a kid in a candy store when he visited the new electronics shop.
- She walked through the bookstore like a kid in a candy store, picking up every novel.
Other Ways to Say:
- Like a child on Christmas morning
- Filled with childlike wonder
5. Thrilled to Bits
Meaning: Extremely pleased and excited about something
In a Sentence:
- My grandmother was thrilled to bits when we surprised her on her birthday.
- The author was thrilled to bits to see his book on the bestseller list.
Other Ways to Say:
- Absolutely delighted
- Overjoyed completely
6. On Top of the World
Meaning: Feeling extremely happy and confident
In a Sentence:
- After acing his final exams, Mike felt on top of the world.
- Winning the award made her feel on top of the world.
Other Ways to Say:
- At the peak of happiness
- Flying high
7. Bouncing Off the Walls
Meaning: So excited or energetic that you cannot stay still
In a Sentence:
- The kids were bouncing off the walls with excitement before the school trip.
- He was bouncing off the walls after drinking three cups of coffee.
Other Ways to Say:
- Full of nervous energy
- Bursting with excitement
8. Can’t Wait
Meaning: Very eager and excited about something that will happen
In a Sentence:
- I can’t wait to see my family after being away for six months.
- The students can’t wait for summer vacation to begin.
Other Ways to Say:
- Eagerly anticipating
- Looking forward immensely
9. Pumped Up
Meaning: Very excited and full of energy about something
In a Sentence:
- The athletes were pumped up before the big game.
- Everyone at the concert was pumped up when the headliner took the stage.
Other Ways to Say:
- Fired up
- Psyched up
10. Full of Beans
Meaning: Having a lot of energy and enthusiasm
In a Sentence:
- The puppy is always full of beans in the morning.
- Despite being 80 years old, my grandfather is still full of beans.
Other Ways to Say:
- Bursting with energy
- Full of life
11. Beside Oneself with Excitement
Meaning: So excited that you lose control of your emotions
In a Sentence:
- She was beside herself with excitement when she won the lottery.
- The crowd was beside itself with excitement during the final minutes of the match.
Other Ways to Say:
- Overwhelmed with joy
- Unable to contain excitement
12. Walking on Air
Meaning: Feeling extremely happy and light-hearted
In a Sentence:
- After receiving the good news, she felt like she was walking on air.
- He’s been walking on air since his proposal was accepted.
Other Ways to Say:
- Floating with happiness
- Light as a feather with joy
13. In High Spirits
Meaning: Very cheerful and excited
In a Sentence:
- The team was in high spirits after their victory.
- Everyone at the party was in high spirits throughout the evening.
Other Ways to Say:
- Full of enthusiasm
- In great mood
14. Raring to Go
Meaning: Very eager and excited to start something
In a Sentence:
- The marathon runners were raring to go at the starting line.
- After months of preparation, we’re raring to go with the new project.
Other Ways to Say:
- Ready and eager
- Chomping at the bit
15. Buzzing with Excitement
Meaning: Filled with nervous, excited energy
In a Sentence:
- The office was buzzing with excitement about the company retreat.
- My mind was buzzing with excitement the night before my wedding.
Other Ways to Say:
- Vibrating with anticipation
- Electric with excitement
16. Tickled Pink
Meaning: Extremely pleased and delighted
In a Sentence:
- My mother was tickled pink when I remembered her favorite flowers.
- He was tickled pink to receive such positive feedback on his presentation.
Other Ways to Say:
- Absolutely delighted
- Greatly pleased
17. Chomping at the Bit
Meaning: Impatient and excited to do something
In a Sentence:
- The young entrepreneur was chomping at the bit to launch her startup.
- Students are chomping at the bit to graduate and start their careers.
Other Ways to Say:
- Impatient to begin
- Eager to get started
18. On Fire
Meaning: Performing with great excitement and enthusiasm
In a Sentence:
- The basketball player was on fire during the championship game.
- The sales team has been on fire this quarter, exceeding all targets.
Other Ways to Say:
- In the zone
- Performing brilliantly
19. Stoked
Meaning: Very excited and enthusiastic
In a Sentence:
- I’m so stoked about the upcoming music festival.
- The surfers were stoked to see the perfect waves rolling in.
Other Ways to Say:
- Really excited
- Extremely enthusiastic
20. Wild with Excitement
Meaning: Unable to control one’s excitement
In a Sentence:
- The fans went wild with excitement when the celebrity appeared on stage.
- The children were wild with excitement on Christmas morning.
Other Ways to Say:
- Crazy with joy
- Uncontrollably excited
21. Thrilled to Death
Meaning: Extremely excited and happy
In a Sentence:
- She was thrilled to death when she heard about her promotion.
- We’re thrilled to death that you could join us for dinner.
Other Ways to Say:
- Absolutely thrilled
- Incredibly excited
22. Like a Dog with Two Tails
Meaning: Extremely happy and excited
In a Sentence:
- He’s been like a dog with two tails since he bought his new car.
- My sister was like a dog with two tails when she found out she was pregnant.
Other Ways to Say:
- Extremely pleased
- Overjoyed
23. Bursting with Excitement
Meaning: So excited that you can barely contain it
In a Sentence:
- The little girl was bursting with excitement about her birthday party.
- I’m bursting with excitement to share my good news with everyone.
Other Ways to Say:
- Overflowing with joy
- Unable to contain excitement
24. Jumping Out of One’s Skin
Meaning: So excited or nervous that you can hardly stay still
In a Sentence:
- I was jumping out of my skin waiting for the test results.
- The audience was jumping out of their skin during the suspenseful movie.
Other Ways to Say:
- Extremely jittery
- On edge with excitement
25. Fired Up
Meaning: Very excited and enthusiastic about something
In a Sentence:
- The coach’s speech got the team all fired up for the game.
- I’m really fired up about starting this new business venture.
Other Ways to Say:
- Energized and ready
- Enthusiastically motivated
26. All Keyed Up
Meaning: Nervous and excited at the same time
In a Sentence:
- She was all keyed up before her first job interview.
- The performers were all keyed up before the opening night.
Other Ways to Say:
- Wound up
- Anxiously excited
27. In Raptures
Meaning: Extremely happy and enthusiastic
In a Sentence:
- The art critic was in raptures over the new exhibition.
- Fans were in raptures after seeing their idol perform live.
Other Ways to Say:
- Ecstatic
- In absolute delight
28. Beside Oneself with Joy
Meaning: So happy and excited that you lose self-control
In a Sentence:
- She was beside herself with joy when her son returned from overseas.
- The winners were beside themselves with joy on receiving the award.
Other Ways to Say:
- Overwhelmed with happiness
- Consumed by joy
29. On Pins and Needles
Meaning: Nervously excited about something that’s going to happen
In a Sentence:
- I’ve been on pins and needles waiting for the college admission results.
- Everyone was on pins and needles during the final moments of the game.
Other Ways to Say:
- Anxiously waiting
- On edge with anticipation
30. Charged Up
Meaning: Full of excitement and energy
In a Sentence:
- The crowd was charged up after the motivational speaker’s presentation.
- I always feel charged up after a good workout session.
Other Ways to Say:
- Energized
- Revitalized
31. Out of One’s Mind with Excitement
Meaning: So excited that you cannot think clearly
In a Sentence:
- She was out of her mind with excitement planning the wedding.
- The fans were out of their minds with excitement when the band announced new tour dates.
Other Ways to Say:
- Crazy with excitement
- Deliriously happy
32. Happy as a Clam
Meaning: Very happy and content
In a Sentence:
- After retiring, my father has been as happy as a clam in his garden.
- The cat is as happy as a clam curled up by the fireplace.
Other Ways to Say:
- Perfectly content
- Extremely satisfied
33. Giddy with Excitement
Meaning: So excited that you feel slightly dizzy or silly
In a Sentence:
- The teenagers were giddy with excitement at their first concert.
- I was giddy with excitement when I met my favorite author.
Other Ways to Say:
- Light-headed with joy
- Deliriously excited
34. Floating on Air
Meaning: Feeling extremely happy and carefree
In a Sentence:
- She’s been floating on air since she got engaged.
- After winning the competition, he felt like he was floating on air.
Other Ways to Say:
- Walking on sunshine
- Drifting with happiness
35. Ready to Burst
Meaning: So full of excitement that you can barely contain it
In a Sentence:
- I’m ready to burst with excitement about the surprise party tonight.
- The children were ready to burst when they saw the presents.
Other Ways to Say:
- About to explode with joy
- Overflowing with excitement
36. Bright-Eyed and Bushy-Tailed
Meaning: Alert, enthusiastic, and full of energy
In a Sentence:
- Despite the early hour, she arrived bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.
- The new intern came in bright-eyed and bushy-tailed on his first day.
Other Ways to Say:
- Fresh and enthusiastic
- Full of vigor
37. Wound Up
Meaning: Excited and tense with anticipation
In a Sentence:
- The kids were all wound up before the school carnival.
- I always get wound up before giving presentations.
Other Ways to Say:
- Worked up
- Keyed up
38. Living the Dream
Meaning: Experiencing something wonderful and exciting
In a Sentence:
- After landing his dream job, he felt like he was living the dream.
- Traveling the world full-time? You’re living the dream!
Other Ways to Say:
- Experiencing perfection
- In an ideal situation
39. Bubbling Over with Excitement
Meaning: Unable to contain one’s excitement
In a Sentence:
- She was bubbling over with excitement about her upcoming trip to Paris.
- The students were bubbling over with excitement on the last day of school.
Other Ways to Say:
- Overflowing with enthusiasm
- Brimming with excitement
40. On a High
Meaning: Feeling euphoric and excited
In a Sentence:
- After completing the marathon, I was on a high for days.
- The team has been on a high since winning the tournament.
Other Ways to Say:
- Feeling euphoric
- In a state of elation
41. Over the Top
Meaning: Excessively excited or enthusiastic
In a Sentence:
- His reaction to the surprise was a bit over the top, but endearing.
- The decorations for the party were over the top with excitement.
Other Ways to Say:
- Excessively enthusiastic
- Going overboard
42. Riding High
Meaning: Feeling very successful and excited
In a Sentence:
- The company is riding high after the successful product launch.
- She’s riding high on confidence after acing her exams.
Other Ways to Say:
- On top of things
- Experiencing success
43. Psyched
Meaning: Extremely excited and mentally prepared
In a Sentence:
- I’m totally psyched about the road trip this weekend.
- The athletes were psyched for the championship match.
Other Ways to Say:
- Really pumped
- Mentally ready and excited
44. Revved Up
Meaning: Excited and ready for action
In a Sentence:
- The crowd was revved up before the concert started.
- I’m all revved up about starting my new project.
Other Ways to Say:
- Energized
- Ready to go
45. In a Tizzy
Meaning: In a state of nervous excitement or confusion
In a Sentence:
- The bride was in a tizzy on the morning of her wedding.
- Everyone was in a tizzy preparing for the surprise party.
Other Ways to Say:
- In a fluster
- Nervously excited
46. Having a Ball
Meaning: Having an extremely good and exciting time
In a Sentence:
- The children were having a ball at the amusement park.
- We had a ball at the reunion party last night.
Other Ways to Say:
- Having a great time
- Enjoying immensely
47. Electric Atmosphere
Meaning: A situation filled with excitement and energy
In a Sentence:
- There was an electric atmosphere in the stadium during the final.
- The conference had an electric atmosphere with all the innovative ideas.
Other Ways to Say:
- Charged environment
- Exciting ambiance
48. Jazzed Up
Meaning: Excited and energized about something
In a Sentence:
- I’m really jazzed up about the new opportunities at work.
- The team was jazzed up after the motivational meeting.
Other Ways to Say:
- Excited and motivated
- Enthusiastically energized
49. Eagerly Awaiting
Meaning: Waiting with great excitement and anticipation
In a Sentence:
- Fans are eagerly awaiting the release of the new movie.
- We’re eagerly awaiting your response to our proposal.
Other Ways to Say:
- Anxiously anticipating
- Excitedly expecting
50. All Agog
Meaning: Very eager and excited to hear or see something
In a Sentence:
- The audience was all agog to hear the celebrity’s announcement.
- Children were all agog when the magician started his performance.
Other Ways to Say:
- Full of anticipation
- Eagerly expectant
51. Hyped Up
Meaning: Excessively excited or promoted
In a Sentence:
- Everyone is hyped up about the new smartphone release.
- The kids were hyped up on sugar after the birthday party.
Other Ways to Say:
- Over-excited
- Built up with anticipation
52. Brimming with Enthusiasm
Meaning: Full of excitement and eagerness
In a Sentence:
- The new employee was brimming with enthusiasm on her first day.
- He’s brimming with enthusiasm about his startup idea.
Other Ways to Say:
- Overflowing with eagerness
- Full of zeal
53. Lit Up Like a Christmas Tree
Meaning: Showing obvious excitement and happiness
In a Sentence:
- Her face lit up like a Christmas tree when she saw the surprise.
- The child’s eyes lit up like a Christmas tree at the toy store.
Other Ways to Say:
- Beaming with joy
- Glowing with happiness
54. Wild with Anticipation
Meaning: Extremely excited about something that’s coming
In a Sentence:
- The crowd was wild with anticipation before the curtain rose.
- I’m wild with anticipation for the vacation next week.
Other Ways to Say:
- Crazy with expectation
- Consumed by anticipation
55. Worked Up
Meaning: Becoming increasingly excited or agitated
In a Sentence:
- Don’t get too worked up about the test results yet.
- He gets worked up every time his favorite team plays.
Other Ways to Say:
- Getting excited
- Becoming agitated
56. In Seventh Heaven
Meaning: In a state of perfect happiness and excitement
In a Sentence:
- She’s been in seventh heaven since adopting her new puppy.
- After retirement, he’s in seventh heaven spending time with his grandchildren.
Other Ways to Say:
- Blissfully happy
- In paradise
57. Counting Down the Days
Meaning: Eagerly waiting for an upcoming event
In a Sentence:
- We’re counting down the days until our wedding anniversary.
- The students are counting down the days to graduation.
Other Ways to Say:
- Eagerly anticipating
- Impatiently waiting
58. Sparkling with Excitement
Meaning: Showing visible signs of excitement and joy
In a Sentence:
- Her eyes were sparkling with excitement as she opened the gift.
- The children were sparkling with excitement on the first day of summer.
Other Ways to Say:
- Glowing with enthusiasm
- Radiating excitement
59. Blown Away
Meaning: Extremely impressed and excited by something
In a Sentence:
- I was completely blown away by the incredible performance.
- The team was blown away by the positive customer feedback.
Other Ways to Say:
- Amazed and thrilled
- Overwhelmed with excitement
60. Amped Up
Meaning: Excited and energized, ready for action
In a Sentence:
- The players were amped up before taking the field.
- I’m totally amped up about the new project we’re starting.
Other Ways to Say:
- Pumped and ready
- Energized to go
61. Beside Oneself
Meaning: Overwhelmed with excitement or emotion
In a Sentence:
- She was beside herself when she heard the wonderful news.
- The fans were beside themselves meeting their favorite celebrity.
Other Ways to Say:
- Overwhelmed completely
- Lost in emotion
62. Full of Vim and Vigor
Meaning: Full of energy and enthusiasm
In a Sentence:
- Even at 70, my grandmother is full of vim and vigor.
- The new recruits arrived full of vim and vigor.
Other Ways to Say:
- Energetic and lively
- Full of vitality
Why Understanding Excitement Idioms Matters
Learning idioms for excitement enhances your ability to communicate emotions effectively in English. These expressions:
- Make your language more colorful and engaging
- Help you connect better with native English speakers
- Allow you to express subtle differences in excitement levels
- Make your writing and speaking more memorable
- Demonstrate advanced language proficiency
How to Use Excitement Idioms in Daily Conversation
Professional Settings
In workplace environments, idioms can make your communication more relatable while maintaining professionalism. For example:
- “Our team is fired up about the new project.”
- “Everyone’s on cloud nine after landing the big client.”
Social Situations
Among friends and family, excitement idioms add warmth and personality:
- “I’m beside myself with excitement about the concert!”
- “The kids were bouncing off the walls all morning.”
Written Communication
In emails, texts, and social media, these expressions help convey enthusiasm:
- “Can’t wait for our reunion! I’m counting down the days!”
- “Your presentation was amazing – I was totally blown away!”
Tips for Mastering Excitement Idioms
- Learn in Context: Always learn idioms with example sentences to understand their usage.
- Practice Regularly: Try using one new idiom each day in your conversations.
- Pay Attention to Formality: Some idioms are casual (like “stoked”), while others work in professional settings (like “in high spirits”).
- Watch and Listen: Observe how native speakers use these expressions in movies, TV shows, and podcasts.
- Keep a Journal: Write down new idioms you encounter and create your own example sentences.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When using excitement idioms, be careful to:
- Not mix metaphors: Saying “I’m on cloud nine over the moon” is confusing.
- Match the intensity: Use appropriate idioms for the level of excitement (don’t say “over the moon” about a minor event).
- Consider your audience: Some idioms are too casual for formal situations.
- Use correct prepositions: It’s “over the moon,” not “on the moon” or “above the moon.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some funny idioms for excitement?
Idioms like “like a dog with two tails” or “over the moon” can show excitement in a fun way.
How can I express excitement using slang?
Use phrases like “pumped up,” “stoked,” or “thrilled to bits” to sound casual and energetic.
Which idioms are best for happiness?
Common ones are “on cloud nine,” “in seventh heaven,” and “walking on air” to show joy clearly.
What are good words to express excitement?
Words like thrilled, ecstatic, overjoyed, and delighted work well in writing and speech.
What idioms can show being shocked?
Idioms like “flabbergasted” or “taken aback” express surprise or shock naturally.
Which idioms describe eagerly waiting?
Phrases like “on the edge of one’s seat” or “waiting with bated breath” show anticipation perfectly.
How can I describe being nervous with idioms?
Use idioms like “butterflies in the stomach” or “on pins and needles” for nervous feelings.
What idioms can show being scared?
Idioms like “scared stiff” or “quaking in one’s boots” express fear in a vivid way.
How do I make my writing lively with excitement idioms?
Sprinkle idioms like “jump for joy” or “like a kid in a candy store” to make sentences more expressive.
Can idioms for excitement be used in conversations?
Yes, using idioms naturally in chats or talks shows feelings clearly and makes speech more engaging.
Final Thoughts
Using these idioms for excitement will instantly make your conversations and writing more lively and fun. Try them in daily chats, messages, or stories, and watch how easily your words convey joy and enthusiasm to everyone around you.
Don’t wait to add color to your language. Pick your favorite idioms from the list, practice them in sentences, and share your excitement with friends. Start using them today and make your expressions unforgettable, fun, and full of energy every single time.
