Meaning
To feel nervous or anxious, usually before an event.
Cultural Background
It is very common to hear this in high school and college settings, especially regarding dating and sports. Used similarly to the US, but sometimes replaced by 'having the jitters' in more formal British English. The phrase is frequently used in social media bios and dating app profiles to show personality.
Pluralize it!
Always use 'butterflies' (plural). One butterfly doesn't feel like the idiom.
Use it for excitement
It's not just for fear! Use it when you are excited about a date or a trip.
Meaning
To feel nervous or anxious, usually before an event.
Pluralize it!
Always use 'butterflies' (plural). One butterfly doesn't feel like the idiom.
Use it for excitement
It's not just for fear! Use it when you are excited about a date or a trip.
Keep it casual
Don't use this in a formal business meeting with your boss.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence.
I always ___ butterflies in my stomach before a big exam.
Both 'get' and 'have' work, but 'get' is very common for the onset of the feeling.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the natural way to say you are nervous.
The idiom is plural and uses the verb 'have'.
Match the situation to the feeling.
You are about to go on stage. What do you have?
This idiom describes nervous anticipation.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Are you excited for the date? B: Yes, I have ___!
This is the standard idiom for nervous excitement.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesI always ___ butterflies in my stomach before a big exam.
Both 'get' and 'have' work, but 'get' is very common for the onset of the feeling.
Choose the natural way to say you are nervous.
The idiom is plural and uses the verb 'have'.
You are about to go on stage. What do you have?
This idiom describes nervous anticipation.
A: Are you excited for the date? B: Yes, I have ___!
This is the standard idiom for nervous excitement.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNo, it is a normal human reaction to excitement or stress.
No, that is a medical issue, not an emotional one.
No, it is for any nervous anticipation.
Because the fluttering wings represent the nervous feeling.
No, it must be plural.
No, it is very informal.
Yes, many European languages use the same metaphor.
Take deep breaths and prepare for the event.
Related Phrases
Nervous wreck
similarSomeone who is extremely anxious.
Get the jitters
similarTo feel nervous.
On edge
similarTense and irritable.
