butterflies in stomach
Pre-event nervous sensation
Butterflies in the stomach is a fluttery, nervous sensation in the abdomen, typically felt before a significant event—a first date, a job interview, a public performance.
The phrase captures how anxiety and excitement produce similar physical effects: I had butterflies in my stomach waiting for the results.
Sometimes shortened to just butterflies.
- public speakingAddressing a live audience
- flutteringLight, rapid movement
- excitementState of eager enthusiasm
- first dateInitial romantic meeting
- tinglingSlight stinging sensation
sweaty palms · nervousness · jittery feeling · infatuation · love at first sight · queasiness · job interview · big moment · performance anxiety · nervous energy · tightness · anticipation · thrill · anxiety · lovesick · heart racing · gut feeling · exhilaration
- puppy lovefirst crush, first kiss, first love, crush, crushes
butterflies in stomachcool as a cucumber
Extremely calm and composed
nerves of steel · unflappable · sangfroid · equanimity · steady nerves