Feeling excited is one of the most joyful emotions we experience. Whether it’s a personal victory, great news, or an unexpected surprise, we all need the right words to express those high-energy moments. That’s where idioms for excitement come in. These colorful phrases add life and emotion to our words, helping us communicate with warmth, enthusiasm, and charm.
In this article, you’ll discover 20 carefully chosen idioms that express excitement. Each one is explained in a simple, clear, and conversational way. Whether you’re writing a message, posting online, or just looking for the right thing to say, these idioms will help you speak from the heart. They’re perfect for making your language more expressive, friendly, and emotionally rich.
Let’s dive into the wonderful world of idioms that will make your excitement truly shine.
What is an Idiom for Excitement?
An idiom for excitement is a phrase or expression that doesn’t literally mean what it says but is commonly used to show strong positive emotion. These idioms bring vivid imagery and make communication more relatable and fun.
They allow you to express joy, thrill, and energy in a creative way, helping you connect with others in a meaningful and authentic tone.
LIST of Idioms for Excitement
- On Cloud Nine
- Jump for Joy
- On Top of the World
- Over the Moon
- In Seventh Heaven
- Walking on Air
- Burst with Joy
- Tickled Pink
- Grinning Ear to Ear
- Light Up Like a Christmas Tree
- Like a Kid in a Candy Store
- Thrilled to Bits
- Buzzing with Excitement
- Can’t Contain Myself
- Heart Leapt with Joy
- All Fired Up
- Like Fireworks Inside
- Ecstatic Beyond Words
- Radiating Joy
- Screaming with Delight
1. On Cloud Nine
Used to describe someone feeling extremely happy or thrilled.
Definition: To be in a state of intense joy and satisfaction.
In Sentence: She was on cloud nine after getting her dream job.
Example: “When he proposed, I felt like I was on cloud nine.”
Explanation: This idiom paints a picture of someone floating high in the clouds due to sheer happiness.
Other Ways to Say:
- Over the moon
- Walking on air
- Flying high
- Ecstatic
- In seventh heaven
2. Jump for Joy
This idiom shows physical excitement and celebration.
Definition: To jump up and down out of pure delight.
In Sentence: The kids jumped for joy when they saw the puppy.
Example: “She literally jumped for joy after hearing the good news.”
Explanation: It highlights how excitement often makes us react with movement.
Other Ways to Say:
- Burst with joy
- Happy dance
- Shout with glee
- Light up
- Glow with happiness
3. On Top of the World
A phrase used when someone feels unstoppable or extremely positive.
Definition: Feeling powerful and delighted, like you’ve conquered everything.
In Sentence: He felt on top of the world after his big speech.
Example: “Winning the competition made me feel on top of the world.”
Explanation: It shows a deep level of satisfaction and pride.
Other Ways to Say:
- Feeling fantastic
- Flying high
- Overjoyed
- In high spirits
- Uplifted
4. Over the Moon
An expressive idiom used to show extreme happiness.
Definition: To be very happy and emotionally uplifted.
In Sentence: She was over the moon about the surprise party.
Example: “He was over the moon when his book got published.”
Explanation: This idiom connects happiness with a dreamlike, faraway feeling.
Other Ways to Say:
- Delighted
- On cloud nine
- Thrilled
- Ecstatic
- Grinning ear to ear
5. In Seventh Heaven
Used to express complete and utter bliss.
Definition: A state of pure joy or satisfaction.
In Sentence: They were in seventh heaven during their honeymoon.
Example: “After the concert, she was in seventh heaven.”
Explanation: This idiom compares joy to a heavenly experience.
Other Ways to Say:
- Blissed out
- Overjoyed
- On cloud nine
- Floating
- Euphoric
6. Walking on Air
Used to describe a feeling of light-heartedness and happiness.
Definition: To feel as if you’re floating due to excitement.
In Sentence: He’s been walking on air since the wedding.
Example: “She’s been walking on air since she passed her exam.”
Explanation: Gives the sense of emotional uplift and weightlessness.
Other Ways to Say:
- Soaring
- Flying high
- Beaming
- Giddy
- Cheerful
7. Burst with Joy
Shows someone who can’t contain their happiness.
Definition: To feel so excited that it overflows.
In Sentence: They were bursting with joy at the news.
Example: “I was bursting with joy when I saw my name on the list.”
Explanation: This idiom reflects an overflow of intense excitement.
Other Ways to Say:
- Exploding with happiness
- Grinning wide
- Filled with glee
- Jumping with delight
- Thrilled to bits
8. Tickled Pink
A light and playful way to express happiness.
Definition: To be greatly pleased or amused.
In Sentence: She was tickled pink by the compliment.
Example: “I was tickled pink when they invited me.”
Explanation: Suggests a feeling of warm, fuzzy joy.
Other Ways to Say:
- Charmed
- Delighted
- Happy as can be
- Pleased
- Tickled to bits
9. Grinning Ear to Ear
Focuses on the facial expression of happiness.
Definition: To smile widely due to excitement.
In Sentence: He was grinning from ear to ear after the promotion.
Example: “She couldn’t stop grinning ear to ear after the win.”
Explanation: It paints a picture of how happy someone looks.
Other Ways to Say:
- Beaming
- Smiling big
- Full of joy
- Radiant
- Elated
10. Light Up Like a Christmas Tree
Describes a sudden, visible burst of joy.
Definition: To show excitement visibly and brightly.
In Sentence: Her face lit up like a Christmas tree when he arrived.
Example: “He lit up like a Christmas tree when he saw the gift.”
Explanation: Conveys the instant and glowing reaction to joy.
Other Ways to Say:
- Shine with joy
- Glow
- Beam
- Light up
- Look thrilled
11. Like a Kid in a Candy Store
Describes someone full of excitement and wonder, especially when they have many exciting choices.
Definition: To be overly excited and unable to choose due to too many good options.
In Sentence: He was like a kid in a candy store at the tech expo.
Example: “She was like a kid in a candy store while shopping for dresses.”
Explanation: This idiom paints a picture of pure, childlike excitement and delight.
Other Ways to Say:
- Full of wonder
- Giddy with excitement
- Bouncing with joy
- Delighted by options
- Wide-eyed with happiness
12. Thrilled to Bits
Used in casual conversation to express being very excited.
Definition: To be completely and genuinely excited.
In Sentence: I’m thrilled to bits about my vacation next week.
Example: “She was thrilled to bits when she got accepted.”
Explanation: Adds a friendly and sincere tone to feelings of excitement.
Other Ways to Say:
- Super excited
- Delighted
- Overjoyed
- Happy beyond words
- Tickled pink
13. Buzzing with Excitement
A phrase that shows someone is full of energy and joy.
Definition: To be filled with excitement and can’t sit still.
In Sentence: The kids were buzzing with excitement before the trip.
Example: “I was buzzing with excitement after hearing the results.”
Explanation: This idiom expresses lively, energetic joy.
Other Ways to Say:
- Full of energy
- Thrilled
- Electrified
- Overjoyed
- Brimming with happiness
14. Can’t Contain Myself
Used when you’re too excited to stay calm or still.
Definition: To feel excitement so strongly that it shows outwardly.
In Sentence: I can’t contain myself—I’m too happy!
Example: “She couldn’t contain herself when she saw her surprise.”
Explanation: This idiom emphasizes visible excitement and joyful emotion.
Other Ways to Say:
- Overcome with joy
- Exploding with happiness
- Over the moon
- So happy I could scream
- Shaking with excitement
15. Heart Leapt with Joy
Used when you feel a sudden wave of happiness.
Definition: A rush of joy that makes your heart feel light or fluttery.
In Sentence: My heart leapt with joy when I saw her smile.
Example: “His heart leapt with joy when they said yes.”
Explanation: Reflects the emotional and physical reaction of joy.
Other Ways to Say:
- Heart skipped
- Joyful surprise
- Emotional burst
- Overcome with emotion
- Moved with happiness
16. All Fired Up
Used when someone feels intensely excited or energetic.
Definition: To be full of excitement and ready for action.
In Sentence: He’s all fired up for the big game tonight.
Example: “She was all fired up to start her new business.”
Explanation: Suggests strong emotions and a fiery passion.
Other Ways to Say:
- Ready and excited
- Pumped
- Full of energy
- Eager
- Motivated
17. Like Fireworks Inside
This idiom describes the sparkling feeling of excitement within.
Definition: To feel joy and energy bursting emotionally like fireworks.
In Sentence: When I saw the results, it felt like fireworks inside.
Example: “She said yes—and I felt like fireworks inside.”
Explanation: Captures an emotional explosion of happiness and joy.
Other Ways to Say:
- Bursting with joy
- Electric with excitement
- Exploding with emotion
- Bright and happy
- Sparkling with feeling
18. Ecstatic Beyond Words
Used to describe extreme happiness that words can’t fully express.
Definition: Being so happy that it feels impossible to explain.
In Sentence: He was ecstatic beyond words after winning.
Example: “I was ecstatic beyond words when I got the call.”
Explanation: Shows how excitement can be so deep it leaves you speechless.
Other Ways to Say:
- Speechless with joy
- Emotionally overwhelmed
- Over the moon
- Trembling with happiness
- Absolutely thrilled
19. Radiating Joy
This idiom reflects someone who is glowing with happiness, where their inner joy is so strong that it shines outwardly.
Definition: To express joy so vividly that it becomes visible in one’s appearance, actions, or energy.
In Sentence: She walked into the room, radiating joy, lighting up the space without saying a word.
Example: “After receiving the great news, he was radiating joy from the inside out.”
Explanation: This phrase paints the image of someone so full of excitement and happiness that it’s impossible to hide. Their smile, their posture, even their voice carries that warm and positive energy that touches others.
Other Ways to Say:
- Beaming with happiness
- Glowing with joy
- Shining from within
- Exuding excitement
- Overflowing with delight
20. Screaming with Delight
This idiom captures the intensity and raw energy of excitement, often accompanied by an outward expression of joy.
Definition: To react with loud, energetic happiness, typically by shouting or exclaiming.
In Sentence: When she found out she won the contest, she was screaming with delight.
Example: “After hearing the good news, I couldn’t help but scream with delight.”
Explanation: This phrase conveys an uncontrolled burst of happiness, where the excitement is so overwhelming that it leads to a loud, joyful reaction. It’s often used to describe a highly emotional response to an exciting event.
Other Ways to Say:
- Shouting with joy
- Yelling in excitement
- Squealing with happiness
- Bursting into cheers
- Laughing out loud with joy
Final Thoughts
Using idioms for excitement brings your feelings to life. These expressions do more than describe joy—they paint vivid pictures, letting others feel your happiness in full color. Whether you’re celebrating a personal win, sharing good news, or just having a moment of delight, the right idiom adds that extra sparkle to your words.
Speaking or writing with warmth means finding the language that connects. These idioms help you do just that—they carry emotion, energy, and meaning. So next time your heart is full, don’t just say “I’m happy”—try saying you’re on cloud nine or radiating joy. It’ll make your words memorable and heartfelt.
When you express excitement with care, you’re not just sharing a moment—you’re inviting someone in.
FAQs
1. What is an idiom for excitement?
An idiom for excitement is a common expression that conveys joy, energy, or happiness in a creative and emotional way, like “jumping for joy” or “on top of the world.”
2. Can I use these idioms in formal writing?
Yes, many of these idioms can be used in friendly or semi-formal writing, especially when you want to add warmth or personality to your tone.
3. Are idioms for excitement used in everyday conversations?
Absolutely! People use them all the time to express how happy, surprised, or overjoyed they feel. They help make conversations more colorful and relatable.
4. What’s the difference between idioms and metaphors?
Idioms are fixed phrases with meanings that aren’t literal, while metaphors compare two things directly. Idioms like “walking on air” aren’t meant to be taken literally—they suggest a feeling, not a real action.
5. How can idioms help me communicate better?
Idioms help you sound natural, expressive, and emotionally connected. They let your listener or reader feel what you feel, adding depth and authenticity to your message.
Emma Brooke is the writer and founder of Grammer Guru, a platform designed to help individuals refine their grammar, writing, and communication skills. With a deep love for language and a talent for simplifying complex grammar rules, Emma provides insightful tips and practical guidance for writers, students, and professionals
