be over the moon

Are you using the idiom be over the moon but not sure about its meaning? Using idioms, which are important elements of spoken and written language, in the right place strengthens your language skills. Examine the meaning of the be over the moon idiom and the situations in which it is used.

Meaning of "be over the moon"

Meaning

The idiomatic phrase 'be over the moon' is used to express extreme happiness or elation. It implies a joy that is beyond description, surpassing the limits of mere words. The phrase is usually used to describe the reaction of someone who has received a great reward or honor

Etymology

The phrase dates back to the mid-1800s, when it was first used by British author Charles Dickens in his novel Little Dorrit. In the novel, a character exclaims, “I am over the moon!” expressing his immense joy and excitement. The phrase has since grown in popularity, and is now widely used to describe someone’s jubilant emotion.

Usage

The 'be over the moon' idiom is typically used to describe a feeling of pure joy or elation. It can be used to describe a variety of positive emotions, such as when someone has achieved something they wanted or received an unexpected reward. For example, a recent high school graduate might say, “I was over the moon when I got accepted to my dream college!”

Example Sentences

• I was over the moon when I found out I got the job.
• My parents were over the moon when I told them I was accepted to my first choice college.
• My little brother was over the moon when he got a brand new bike for his birthday.
• My sister was over the moon when she found out she won the school lottery.
• I was over the moon when the doctor told me that my test results were all normal.

The universal role of idioms

"Kill two birds with one stone" is an English idiom that means to accomplish two things with a single action. In French, the similar idiom is "Faire d'une pierre deux coups," which translates to "To kill two birds with one stone." This idiom highlights the efficiency of completing two tasks with one action.