full of beans
Meaning
Very energetic, lively, and excited; often implying someone is talkative or a bit overactive.
Origin
Likely from the idea that eating beans provides energy and vigor; the phrase is attested from the early 20th century in American English meaning “lively/peppy.”
Notes
Informal and friendly; often used about kids or someone unusually peppy. Can lightly suggest they’re a bit hyper or chatty.
Examples
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After the long weekend, the kids came back to school full of beans.
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I don’t know how you’re still full of beans after that late flight.
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He was full of beans at the meeting, cracking jokes and pitching new ideas.
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The puppy is full of beans every morning and tears around the living room.
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She seemed full of beans during rehearsal, singing louder than anyone else.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Common patterns: “be full of beans” and “seem/look full of beans.” Tense changes on “be” (was/is/are). The core phrase is fairly fixed.
Synonyms
- full of energy
- lively
- peppy
- bubbly
Antonyms
- tired
- worn out
- listless
- lethargic