An Encylopedia Britannica Company
Ask the Editor

What does it mean to have butterflies in your stomach?

Question
What is the meaning of butterflies in your stomach? — Punnam, India
Answer

To "have butterflies" or "have butterflies in your stomach" means you have a nervous feeling in your stomach. The expression can also be used with "get" as in "get butterflies." Below are some examples of how this expression is used.

 

Before his big speech he had butterflies in his stomach.

Some of the kids had butterflies before the school play.

Even after 15 years of performing in front of an audience he still gets butterflies before a show.

The students are sure to get butterflies before their first job interviews.

She gets butterflies in her stomach every time she has to speak at a meeting.

I hate it when I have butterflies in my stomach.

I know you have butterflies in your stomach but I'm sure you will do great.

He had butterflies all morning at his new job.

 

I hope this helps. For more posts about words, idioms, grammar, and usage, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

Archive
You can read more articles in the archive.