on cloud nine
on cloud nine
In a state of extreme, euphoric happiness. Ever since Mary got her promotion at work, she's been on cloud nine. I don't think I've ever seen her happier!
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
on cloud nine
Fig. very happy. When I got my promotion, I was on cloud nine. When the check came, I was on cloud nine for days.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
on cloud nine
Blissfully happy, as in Ever since he proposed to her, her parents have been on cloud nine. The exact allusion of nine in this term is unclear, and different figures, especially seven (perhaps alluding to seventh heaven), are sometimes substituted. [Colloquial; mid-1900s]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
on cloud nine
COMMON If you are on cloud nine, you are extremely happy because something very good has happened to you. I never expected to win, so I'm on cloud nine. When Michael was born I was on cloud nine. I couldn't believe this beautiful little boy was ours. Note: If someone comes off cloud nine, or comes down from cloud nine, they stop being so happy and start to deal with reality. For most, however, it will take some time to come off cloud nine. Note: This expression is probably derived from the numbered cloud categories used by the US Weather Bureau. Cloud nine, cumulonimbus, is the highest and occurs at about 30,000 ft. At this height and above, clouds consist of ice crystals rather than water vapour.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
on cloud nine
extremely happy.On cloud nine refers to a ten-part classification of clouds in which nine was second highest. A dated variant of the expression is on cloud seven .
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
on cloud ˈnine
(old-fashioned, informal) extremely happy: She’s been on cloud nine ever since she heard the news. OPPOSITE: down in the dumpsFarlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
on cloud nine, to be sitting
To be blissfully happy. Some writers believe this expression began as being on cloud seven, akin to being in seventh heaven. Others feel nine has legitimacy in its own right, since it has been a mystical number since the times of the ancient Greeks. Nine is a trinity of trinities (3 x 3), and a trinity itself represents a perfect unity. In any event, the cliché dates only from the mid-twentieth century.
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer Copyright © 2013 by Christine Ammer