heart in your mouth
Meaning
To feel suddenly very anxious, frightened, or nervous, as if your heart has jumped up into your throat.
Origin
Recorded from the 19th century; it uses a bodily metaphor for fear/anxiety—when startled, your heartbeat feels like it rises into your throat/mouth (“heart in your throat” is a close variant).
Notes
A vivid, informal metaphor for intense anxiety or a sudden fright (“my heart was in my mouth”). Often used for near-misses, suspense, or waiting for outcomes.
Examples
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My heart was in my mouth as I opened the email with my exam results.
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When the car skidded on the ice, I had my heart in my mouth.
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Her heart was in her mouth while she waited backstage for her name to be called.
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I had my heart in my mouth watching the penalty kick in the final minute.
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His heart was in his mouth when the doctor said they needed to run more tests.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used with a form of BE + in: “My heart was in my mouth.” Can also appear as “with your heart in your mouth” (adverbial). Person/possessive can vary (my/your/his/her).
Synonyms
- have a lump in your throat
- be on edge
- be in a panic
- heart in your throat
Antonyms
- cool as a cucumber
- calm down
- keep your nerve