If you’re a native English speaker, you’ve probably heard your fair share of idioms and expressions used to describe a person’s mood. But for non-native speakers, these phrases can be tricky to understand and use correctly. In this ultimate guide, we’ll explore some of the most common idioms and expressions to describe a person’s mood, including their meanings, origins, and how to use them in context.
Feeling Blue
“Feeling Blue” is an expression used to describe someone who is feeling sad or depressed. The phrase likely originated from the old English custom of associating blue with melancholy.
Example sentence: “I’ve been feeling blue ever since my dog passed away.“
On Cloud Nine
If someone is “on cloud nine,” they are extremely happy or ecstatic. This expression likely originated from the idea of being on the highest cloud in the sky, which would make one feel like they’re on top of the world.
Example sentence: “When I found out I got the job, I was on cloud nine!”
In the Dumps
Similar to “feeling blue,” “in the dumps” is an expression used to describe someone who is feeling down or depressed. It’s unclear where this phrase originated, but it’s been in use since at least the mid-1800s.
Example sentence: “Ever since she broke up with her boyfriend, she’s been in the dumps.”
Over the Moon
If someone is “over the moon,” they are thrilled or delighted about something. This expression likely comes from the idea of jumping over the moon with excitement.
Example sentence: “When I found out I was accepted into my dream school, I was over the moon!“
In Seventh Heaven
When someone is “in seventh heaven,” they are extremely happy or content. This expression likely originated from the idea of there being seven levels of heaven in many religious traditions, with the seventh being the highest and most blissful.
Example sentence: “After I got married, I was in seventh heaven for weeks!”
In a Funk
If someone is “in a funk,” they are feeling down or depressed. The origin of this expression is unclear, but it may come from the old English word “funckian,” which means to be agitated or restless.
Example sentence: “Ever since he lost his job, he’s been in a funk.”
On Top of the World
Similar to “on cloud nine,” “on top of the world” is an expression used to describe someone who is extremely happy or ecstatic. This phrase likely originated from the idea of standing on top of a mountain and feeling like you’re on top of the world.
Example sentence: “When she won the championship, she felt like she was on top of the world.”
Seeing Red
If someone is “seeing red,” they are extremely angry or upset. The origin of this phrase is unclear, but it may come from the idea of seeing red when one is enraged, due to an increase in blood pressure.
Example sentence: “When he found out his car had been towed, he was seeing red.”
Green with Envy
When someone is “green with envy,” they are jealous of something or someone. This expression likely comes from the idea of pale green being the color of someone who is sick or unwell.
Example sentence: “When she saw her friend’s new car, she was green with envy.“
Conclusion
Idioms and expressions are an important part of the English language, and can add color and personality to your speech. Hopefully, this ultimate guide has given you some insight into the most common idioms and expressions used to describe a person’s mood, and how to use them correctly. So the next time you’re feeling blue or on cloud nine, you’ll have the perfect phrase to describe your mood!