on cloud nine
Meaning
Extremely happy or excited; feeling euphoric, as if in a blissful dreamlike state.
Origin
Popularized in the mid-20th century; likely linked to a meteorological cloud classification where βcloud nineβ suggested the highest clouds, metaphorically the highest happiness.
Notes
Conveys intense joy/euphoria, often upbeat and slightly hyperbolic. Common in casual speech and writing; can imply being a bit giddy or unrealistic due to happiness.
Examples
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When she found out she got the job, she was on cloud nine all day.
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Iβve been on cloud nine since our engagement party last weekend.
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He was on cloud nine after his team won the championship in overtime.
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Getting a handwritten thank-you note from my mentor put me on cloud nine.
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They were on cloud nine when their first baby finally arrived healthy.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used with βbeβ or verbs of feeling: βbe on cloud nine,β βput someone on cloud nine.β Article and number are fixed; rarely pluralized or reworded.
Synonyms
- over the moon
- on top of the world
- walking on air
- in seventh heaven
- ecstatic
Antonyms
- down in the dumps
- miserable
- depressed
- unhappy