On cloud nine

[0180] Over the moon

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English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • Extremely happy, delighted, or ecstatic about something.

Origin

  • This idiom likely originates from the nursery rhyme Hey Diddle Diddle, where the cow jumped over the moon. This image evokes a sense of nonsensical, boundless joy and impossibility overcome.
  • It suggests a level of happiness so great it defies gravity or normal bounds.
  • The phrase gained popularity as an idiom for extreme delight, particularly in the UK, often associated with footballers describing their joy after scoring or winning. It became widespread in the 20th century.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • On cloud nine. (Very similar)
  • Walking on air.
  • In seventh heaven.
  • Thrilled to bits. (UK informal)
  • Ecstatic.
  • Elated.
  • On top of the world.
  • Delighted.

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • Buzzing. (UK/Aus)
  • Stoked.
  • Hyped.
  • Made up. (UK slang very happy/pleased)
  • Chuffed. (UK slang pleased/delighted)

Vulgar/Emphatic:

  • Happy as fuck. / Fucking delighted.

Milder/More Formal:

  • Extremely pleased.
  • Overjoyed.
  • Exceedingly happy.

Situational Appropriateness

  • Informal to semi-formal.
  • Very common, especially in British English, but widely understood elsewhere.
  • Perfect for expressing strong positive feelings about good news or achievements.

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • Clearly figurative. Learners should understand it means extremely happy and doesn't involve space travel.
  • Essentially interchangeable with on cloud nine.

Examples

  • She was over the moon when he proposed.
  • The team was over the moon after winning the championship.
  • I'm over the moon about getting the promotion!

Dialogue

Person A: Did you hear? Sarah had her baby last night! A healthy girl.

Person B: Oh, that's wonderful news! They must be over the moon.

Person A: Absolutely. I spoke to her husband this morning, and he sounded ecstatic.

Social Media Examples

  • Tweet: Just got the keys to our first house! Absolutely over the moon! 🏡🔑 #homeowners #excited
  • Instagram Post: Look who won first prize! I'm over the moon! Thank you everyone for your support! 🏆
  • Facebook Status: My daughter got into her first choice university! We are all over the moon for her! Proud parents! ❤️

Response Patterns

  • Very similar to on cloud nine: Congratulations, shared happiness (That's fantastic!), asking for details (What happened?), expressing pleasure for the person.

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After someone says they (or someone else) are over the moon:

  • Inquire about the reason for the happiness.
  • Offer congratulations.
  • Share in the positive feeling.

Conversation Starter

  • No. Describes a state of extreme happiness.

Intonation

  • Emphasis usually on over and moon. OVER the MOON.
  • Expressed with clear happiness and enthusiasm.

Generation Differences

  • Understood and used by most generations. May be slightly more common in British English across various age groups compared to American English.

Regional Variations

  • Very common in British English, often heard in sports commentary and general conversation.
  • Also common and well-understood in Australian, New Zealand, and Canadian English.
  • Understood in American English but perhaps slightly less frequently used than on cloud nine or other synonyms.
On cloud nine
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