Meaning: This idiom is used to describe the sensation of nervousness, excitement, or anxiety that one feels in their stomach, often in anticipation of a significant event or experience. It implies experiencing fluttering or a queasy feeling in the stomach due to nervousness or excitement.
Usage in Example Sentences:
- “Before going on stage, I always get butterflies in my stomach.”
- “She got butterflies in her stomach before going on her first date with him.”
- “Even though she had prepared extensively for the interview, she still got butterflies in her stomach as the interview approached.”
Origin: The origin of the idiom “get butterflies in your stomach” is uncertain, but it likely stems from the sensation of fluttering or nervousness that one may feel in their stomach before or during a stressful or exciting event. The phrase has been in common usage since at least the early 20th century and is commonly used to describe the physical sensation of nervousness or excitement in the stomach. It emphasizes the physiological response to emotions such as anxiety or anticipation.
