What does the idiom "have butterflies in one's stomach" mean?
You are wondering about the meaning of the phrase have butterflies in one's stomach, 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 have butterflies in one's stomach used and what is its meaning?
Meaning of "have butterflies in one's stomach"
Meaning
The idiom 'have butterflies in one's stomach' is an expression used to convey a feeling of nervousness or uneasiness. When someone has butterflies in their stomach, they feel nervous or anxious, as though there is a fluttering in their stomach. This phrase is typically used when someone is feeling anxious or nervous before they take part in a particular activity, such as public speaking, or before they go on a first date.
Etymology
The phrase 'have butterflies in one's stomach' has been in use since the early 1900s in the United States. It is believed to have originated from the idea of the feeling of nervousness being similar to the fluttering of a butterfly's wings. The phrase is thought to have been in use since at least the 1930s, when it was documented in American newspapers.
Usage
The phrase 'have butterflies in one's stomach' is usually used to express nervousness or anxiousness. It is often used figuratively, to convey the idea of having a feeling of fluttering in one's stomach. It can be used to describe one's own feelings of nervousness, or the feeling of someone else.
Example Sentences
- I have butterflies in my stomach before I go on stage to perform.
- I had butterflies in my stomach before my first date with my now-husband.
- I can tell you're feeling nervous, you have butterflies in your stomach.
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.
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