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butterflies in one's stomach
/ˈbʌtərflaɪz ɪn wʌnz ˈstʌmək/◆idiom
nervous excitement
I always get butterflies in my stomach before giving a speech.
The speaker feels nervous excitement before presenting.
informal
A feeling of nervous excitement or anxiety, often in anticipation of an event.
She felt butterflies in her stomach as she waited for the job interview results.
She was nervous and excited while awaiting the interview outcome.
The first date gave him butterflies in his stomach.
He felt nervous excitement before the date.
Commonly used to describe positive or negative nervousness, such as before a performance, exam, or first date.
Collocations
get butterflies in one's stomachto feel nervous excitementhave butterflies in one's stomachto experience nervous excitement
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Use in context
This idiom works best when describing nervous excitement rather than severe anxiety. For example, 'I had butterflies in my stomach before the concert' implies excitement, whereas 'I had butterflies in my stomach before the surgery' might sound odd unless framed humorously.
Gold Rule
Avoid literal interpretation
Never use this phrase to describe actual butterflies or physical stomach sensations unrelated to nervousness.
Word Origin
The phrase dates back to the early 20th century, likely from the sensation of fluttering or light movements in the stomach when nervous, akin to butterflies flapping their wings.
Usage Notes
Typically used in informal contexts to describe mild to moderate nervousness. It can apply to both positive (e.g., excitement about a first date) and negative (e.g., fear of public speaking) emotions.
English Dictionary