A friend once won a scholarship and walked around glowing like sunshine. That sparkly feeling fits perfectly with the expression over the moon. In this post, I’ll share the meaning, the story behind it, and real examples you can use confidently in your own conversations.
Meaning of Over the Moon
To feel over the moon means to be extremely happy, delighted, or thrilled about something.
Some writers use it to express:
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Joy caused by success or good news.
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Excitement over a gift, event, or achievement.
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A burst of happiness that feels impossible to contain.
In short: over the moon means being exceptionally happy—so happy it feels like you could float right off the ground.
Origin of Over the Moon
This idiom traces back to the 18th–19th century and likely grew from playful storytelling and nursery rhymes. One of the most frequently cited sources is the English rhyme “Hey Diddle Diddle,” where the cow jumped over the moon. The image was cheerful, whimsical, and exaggerated—perfect for describing happiness that goes beyond ordinary emotion.
Though the exact moment people began using over the moon in everyday speech remains uncertain, it became more popular in the 20th century, especially in British English. Sports commentators helped boost its usage by quoting ecstatic athletes who claimed to be “absolutely over the moon” after a win.
Examples in Sentences
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Casual: I was over the moon when my dog learned to shake hands for the first time.
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Formal: The board was over the moon with the positive results of the quarterly report.
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Everyday conversation: She felt over the moon after getting her first paycheck.
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Romantic context: He looked over the moon when she said yes to dinner.
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Academic achievement: My class went over the moon hearing that the exam would be postponed.
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Workplace setting: Our team was over the moon to receive recognition during the conference.
Similar Idioms or Phrases
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On cloud nine – Extremely happy and carefree.
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Walking on air – Feeling so joyful it seems like your feet no longer touch the ground.
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In high spirits – Cheerful, positive, and full of energy.
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Tickled pink – Amused and very pleased by something.
I like using over the moon because it feels warm and visually rich. It paints a picture of happiness so bright it jumps past the ordinary sky. This idiom lifts sentences the same way good news lifts mood—and that’s beautiful.
Over the moon is a cheerful idiom meaning deeply happy or thrilled. Its roots come from whimsical English nursery rhyme imagery and have lived on through everyday speech. Try using it the next time delight fills your day—and share that joy with someone too.