Back to Idiomatic Expressions
Idiomatic Expressions
Feelings & Emotions
Six idioms native speakers use to describe happiness, stress, sadness, and everything in between.
Meaning
Extremely happy or delighted about something.
Example
"She was over the moon when she found out she got the job."
Conversation questions
- What kind of news would make you over the moon right now?
- Describe a moment in your life when you were truly over the moon.
Meaning
Feeling slightly ill or unwell.
Example
"I'm a bit under the weather today — I think I'm coming down with a cold."
Conversation questions
- What do you usually do to take care of yourself when you're under the weather?
- Have you ever pushed through and gone to work or school feeling under the weather? Was it worth it?
Meaning
Feeling sad, low, or depressed.
Example
"He's been down in the dumps since the project fell through."
Conversation questions
- What do you do when you're feeling down in the dumps to lift your mood?
- How do you cheer up a friend who's down in the dumps?
Meaning
Feeling nervous, tense, or irritable — usually while waiting for something.
Example
"I've been on edge all week waiting for the exam results."
Conversation questions
- What kinds of situations put you on edge? How do you manage it?
- Have you ever noticed that being on edge affects how you treat people around you?
Meaning
To openly and freely express your emotions — people can always tell how you feel.
Example
"She wears her heart on her sleeve — you always know exactly where you stand with her."
Conversation questions
- Would you describe yourself as someone who wears your heart on your sleeve, or do you tend to keep emotions private?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of wearing your heart on your sleeve?
Meaning
To respond to someone angrily or sharply, often without much reason.
Example
"I was so stressed that I bit his head off when he asked a simple question — I felt terrible."
Conversation questions
- Have you ever bitten someone's head off unfairly? How did you handle it afterwards?
- What strategies help you avoid biting someone's head off when you're frustrated?