Definition of walking on air
Short definition: The phrase walking on air means feeling extremely happy and excited, as if you are floating instead of walking. People use it to describe moments of great joy, success, or love that lift their mood.
Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the phrase walking on air? This expression is commonly used to describe an intense feeling of happiness, excitement, or emotional uplift—so strong that it feels as if a person is not even touching the ground anymore. Below, each meaning is explained in a relaxed, real-life way with long examples that show how people actually use this phrase.
Type: idiomatic expression
Related: on cloud nine, over the moon, thrilled to bits
Syllable: walk-ing on air
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Feeling extremely happy, excited, or emotionally uplifted,
as if nothing negative could affect you.
After hearing that she got the job she had dreamed about for years, she spent the whole day walking on air, smiling at strangers and feeling grateful for every small moment.He was walking on air after his proposal was accepted, barely able to focus on anything else because of how joyful he felt.When the teacher praised her work in front of the class, she felt like she was walking on air for the rest of the week.
Synonyms: on cloud nine, over the moon, thrilled, ecstatic, delighted, overjoyed, in high spirits, floating with joy, riding high, beaming with happiness, full of joy, bursting with excitement
Antonyms: feeling down, depressed, miserable, unhappy, discouraged, heartbroken, gloomy, low-spirited, disappointed, upset, crushed, disheartened -
Feeling deeply proud or satisfied because of success,
recognition, or positive feedback.
He was walking on air after his boss praised his performance, because he had worked for months to prove his abilities.She left the meeting walking on air, knowing that her ideas had finally been recognized.They were walking on air after their project received international attention.
Synonyms: proud, satisfied, fulfilled, pleased, triumphant, confident, encouraged, motivated, validated, uplifted, inspired, boosted
Antonyms: discouraged, unmotivated, insecure, doubtful, ashamed, embarrassed, defeated, disappointed, demoralized, uncertain, frustrated, let down -
(Figurative) Being in such a positive emotional state
that everyday problems seem smaller or easier to handle.
Even though she still had a lot of work to do, she felt like she was walking on air because of the good news she received that morning.He was walking on air and barely noticed the long traffic jam on his way home.After months of stress, that one moment of success made him feel like he was finally walking on air again.
Synonyms: carefree, lighthearted, optimistic, positive-minded, relaxed, at ease, cheerful, buoyant, hopeful, emotionally lifted, stress-free, glowing
Antonyms: stressed, anxious, worried, tense, overwhelmed, burdened, troubled, pressured, uneasy, restless, strained, weighed down
