like a kid in a candy store
Meaning
Extremely excited and delighted, often because there are many appealing options or treats.
Origin
From the vivid image of a child overwhelmed with excitement by the abundance of sweets in a candy store; it became a common simile for eager, delighted enthusiasm.
Notes
Usually positive and playful. Often implies wide-eyed excitement over lots of choices; when used of adults, it can gently suggest childlike enthusiasm.
Examples
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When I walked into the new electronics shop, I was like a kid in a candy store.
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She was like a kid in a candy store after getting a behind-the-scenes tour of the film studio.
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He looked like a kid in a candy store browsing the bookstore and piling up novels.
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At the car show, my dad was like a kid in a candy store, snapping photos of everything.
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The interns were like kids in a candy store when they got access to the company’s design lab.
Grammar & Usage Notes
A simile used after linking verbs: “be/feel/look like a kid in a candy store.” Often used with “like” (not “as”). Can take modifiers (e.g., “just like…”).
Synonyms
- like a child at christmas
- like a kid at christmas
- in seventh heaven
- on cloud nine
- thrilled
- giddy with excitement
Antonyms
- bored to tears
- underwhelmed
- unimpressed