American Accent
Slang & idioms
"butterflies in my stomach", drawn literally
Literally

butterflies in my stomach

(phrase)Casual

What it actually means

A nervous, fluttery feeling — usually before something exciting or scary like a date, a speech, or a big game.

In a sentence

  • “I had butterflies in my stomach the whole drive there.”
  • “She still gets butterflies in her stomach before every performance.”

Also known as

nervousjittery

Where it’s used

everyday

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More idioms like this

bite the bullet

To force yourself through something unpleasant because you have to — to do the hard thing now and get it over with.

the ball is in your court

It's your turn to make a decision or take action — the responsibility has been passed to you.

hit the nail on the head

To say or do exactly the right thing — to pinpoint the truth or solution precisely.

butterflies in my stomach — American slang meaning