be over the moon

You are wondering about the meaning of the phrase be over the moon, maybe you heard it in a TV show, movie or theater play. Although this idiom is not used very often, it enriches your capacity of expression and strengthens communication. In which case is the expression be over the moon used and what is its meaning?

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 Surprising Origins of Everyday English Idioms

Many English idioms have surprisingly dark origins, often rooted in violence, death, and superstition. For instance, the phrase "raining cats and dogs" is said to have originated in the 17th century, when heavy rain would often cause dead animals to wash up on the streets. Meanwhile, the idiom "rule of thumb" is believed to have originated from a law that allowed men to beat their wives with a stick no thicker than their thumb.