lift someone's spirits

Make someone happier

To lift someone's spirits is to make them feel happier or more hopeful, especially when they're discouraged or sad.

The image is of mood as something with weight that can be raised: A surprise visit from her sister lifted her spirits.

Small gestures often suffice—a kind word, a funny story, an unexpected gift.

Related

kind words · crack a joke · good news · music · laughter · console · support · hearten · affirm · comfort · brighten · warm smile · sunlight · sunny day · nature · hug · bear hug · motivate

Opposites
emotional effect

lift someone's spiritsdiscourage

Diminish someone's confidence

deflate · depress · sadden · dishearten · demoralize

hope and motivation

lift someone's spiritsdash someone's hopes

Destroy someone's optimistic expectations

demoralize · dishearten · discourage · defeat · beat down

Family

lifts, lifted, lifting, lifter, uplift, uplifting, uplifted, someone, spirit

Familiarity
Top 100,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G