Meaning
A feeling of nervousness or anxiety, often before an important event.
Cultural Background
It is very common to use this in professional settings to show you care about the outcome of a project. Similar usage, but sometimes people might say 'I've got the jitters' as a more common alternative.
Use it for excitement
You don't have to be scared to use this! It's great for positive excitement too.
Don't use for sickness
If you are vomiting, do not say you have butterflies. Use 'I'm sick'.
Meaning
A feeling of nervousness or anxiety, often before an important event.
Use it for excitement
You don't have to be scared to use this! It's great for positive excitement too.
Don't use for sickness
If you are vomiting, do not say you have butterflies. Use 'I'm sick'.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct phrase.
I always get _______ in my stomach before a big exam.
The idiom is 'butterflies in my stomach'.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the natural way to say you are nervous.
The plural 'butterflies' is the standard form.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
2 exercisesI always get _______ in my stomach before a big exam.
The idiom is 'butterflies in my stomach'.
Choose the natural way to say you are nervous.
The plural 'butterflies' is the standard form.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsYes, it shows you are human and care about the role.
No, it is very common for work or school.
Related Phrases
Have the jitters
synonymTo be nervous.
On edge
similarTense and nervous.
Cold feet
contrastTo lose courage.
