jump for joy
Meaning
To be extremely happy or excited and show it openly.
Origin
A transparent metaphor: intense happiness makes someone feel like leaping. The phrase appears in English at least from the 1800s as a vivid description of physical celebration.
Notes
Often slightly hyperbolic and upbeat. Can be literal or figurative; most common in casual speech or informal writing.
Examples
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When she found out she got the job, she jumped for joy in the middle of the kitchen.
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I could have jumped for joy when the test results came back negative.
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The kids jumped for joy when they saw the snow starting to fall.
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He jumped for joy after hearing that his visa had been approved.
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If we finish this project ahead of schedule, the whole team will jump for joy.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed phrase: usually "jump for joy" or "jumping for joy." Often used after "be" ("She was jumping for joy") or as an infinitive ("I could jump for joy"). Rarely pluralized/altered.
Synonyms
- be thrilled
- be over the moon
- be delighted
- be ecstatic
Antonyms
- be disappointed
- be upset
- be downcast