Have butterflies in your stomach
Meaning
To feel a sensation of nervousness or anxious excitement, typically before a significant event or challenge.
Origin
The vivid image of a swarm of butterflies fluttering within one's abdomen, evoking a dizzying mix of excitement and unease, began to take flight in the English language during the early 20th century. While the feeling of nervous anticipation is as old as humanity itself, it was this delightful, specific metaphor that truly captured the physiological sensation of a racing heart and lightheadedness, often experienced by aviators before a daring flight or actors stepping onto a stage, before becoming a universally understood expression for pre-event jitters.
Examples
- Before her first major piano recital, she always had butterflies in her stomach.
- Every time he had to give a presentation, he'd get butterflies in his stomach, even after years of practice.