Idioms are all around us, and in fact, we use them quite frequently. But what are they? Well, they are terms or phrases that have a literal definition but also a figurative meaning. One such idiom is “on cloud nine.” Let’s take a look at its meaning and uses in the English language.
The term “on cloud nine” implies that a person is happy or on top of the world, so to speak. It simply means that you are positive or enthusiastic about something. Other meanings include being extremely cheerful, thrilled, or very excited about a person, situation, opportunity, or event.
“On Cloud Nine” – Origins of the Phrase
When it comes to the origin of this term, it is not clear. Some people believe that it has its roots in the Buddhist faith and, more specifically, the ten steps of enlightenment. There is, however, little to no evidence to support this belief.
Another speculation is that the saying is connected to meteorologists. It is believed that they used numbers to classify various types of clouds. So a number was assigned to a cloud-based on its altitude. For instance, the number 9 meant that the cloud was high up and a cloud given a lower number implied that it was lower down.
The highest reaching cloud was believed to be the cumulonimbus cloud and rose up to 10km. So being on the top of this cloud would make you feel as if you were on top of the world, and so the term arose, or so it is believed.
This idiom doesn’t appear to be as old as other commonly used terms and may have only surfaced in 1949 and appeared in the Denton Record-Chronicle.
While the origin is still uncertain, we do know that it has been used since 1949, and the most credible origin of this idiom would be its correlation to the cumulonimbus cloud.
“On Cloud Nine” – Meaning
The phrase “on cloud nine” is always used in a positive context. It is used to describe someone who is happy, excited, elated, delighted or thrilled about something. It is used to express lightheartedness or even relief. For instance, if you were laid off and applied for various jobs but didn’t receive any responses and then suddenly, out of the blue, you get a job offer that is better than anything you could have hoped for, you would naturally be “on cloud nine.”
When and How to Use “On Cloud Nine”
The term “on cloud nine” may be used as often as you want to describe a feeling of happiness or elation. This may be pertaining to yourself or someone else.
For instance, if you’ve finally got a job offer that you’ve been waiting for quite some time, it would fill you with excitement or anticipation for the future and ultimately make you feel as if you are “on cloud nine.”
When: Use the phrase to relay your positivity regarding a certain situation or person.
How: Instead of saying that you are “happy” or “excited,” say that you are “on cloud nine.”
Other Ways to Say “On Cloud Nine”
- Over the moon
- In seventh heaven
- Happy
- Overjoyed
- Ecstatic
- On top of the world
- Glad
- Elated
- Jubilant
- Exultant
- Thrilled
- Euphoric
- Rapturous
- Joyful
- Tickled pink
- Blithe
- Blissful
- Cock-a-hoop
- Joyous
- Pleased
- Gay
- Transported
- Gleeful
- In heaven
- Pleased
- Upbeat
- Walking on air
- Chuffed
- Exhilarated
- Gratified
- Rhapsodic
- Gladsome
- Jocund
- Contented
- In high spirits
- Merry
- Radiant
- As happy as a clam
- Chipper
- Cheery
- As pleased as punch
- Sunny
The Opposite of “On Cloud Nine”
- Very upset
- Depressed
- Blue
- Melancholy
- Down
- Miserable
- Unhappy
- Sorrowful
- Cheerless
- Dejected
- Downcast
- Gloomy
- Sombre
- Wistful
- Morose
- Despondent
- Dismal
- Doleful
- Disconsolate
- Forlorn
- Heartsick
- Grief-stricken
- Heavy Hearted
- Low
- Low-spirited
- Glum
- Lugubrious
- Sad
- Troubled
- Morbid
- Mournful
- Somber
- Despairing
- Pensive
- Pessimistic
- Infelicitous
- Tearful
- Distressed
- Angry-about
- Wretched
- Unlucky
- Bereaved
Idioms with a Homogenous Meaning
Some other idioms or terms have a similar meaning to “on cloud nine.” Let’s take a look at some of them:
“In seventh heaven” – This term is often used to describe a similar feeling to being on cloud nine. It stems from the belief that there are seven levels to heaven, seven being the highest place in heaven.
Example: I am so thrilled to be on the softball teams after all these years; I’m in seventh heaven.
“”Over the moon” – This is another commonly used phrase to relay when someone is extremely happy about something.
Example: My mum is coming to visit me after many years; I am over the moon about it.
“On top of the world” – Like being in seventh heaven, this term implies that you feel as if you are floating on air.
Example: I’ve finally been promoted to a senior manager; I’m on top of the world.
“I can’t believe my luck” – This term is used to imply that you are so astonished about a turn of events in your life that you can’t believe your luck.
Example: I was just contacted by a company I applied to recently and was told that I’d been shortlisted from 100 candidates; I can’t believe my luck.
“Thrilled to bits” – Another term that expresses your enthusiasm and excitement.
Example: I’m thrilled to bits about the fact that hubby got me the bracelet I was longing for.
“”Like a dog with two tails” – This term is used when you want to express how enthusiastic you are about something.
Example: Stanley just told me that his girlfriend said “yes” to his marriage proposal. He’s like a dog with two tails right now.
Example Conversations with “On Cloud Nine”
Conversation between mother and daughter:
Mother: Amy, how was your day today?
Daughter: Mum, you wouldn’t believe what happened to me at work!
Mother: Okay, let’s hear it.
Daughter: Stanley proposed to me, and I said, “yes,” so we’re officially engaged, and I am on cloud nine!
Mother: Congratulations honey, I’m over the moon as well.
Conversation between father and son:
Son: Dad, I need to talk to you about something very important, are you free?
Dad: Yes, of course, son, what is it?
Son: Remember that position I applied for a few days ago?
Dad: Yeah
Son: Well, they’ve made me a very lucrative job offer, and I accepted.
Dad: That’s awesome news, buddy.
Son: Yes, I’m on cloud nine!
Conversation between two co-workers:
Co-worker 1: Hi Jane, did you hear that Mary got that promotion she was after?
Co-worker 2: Yes, I did and I heard that she’s on cloud nine.
Example Sentences with the Term “On Cloud Nine”
- Mary’s been on cloud nine since she got engaged.
- Harry said he felt like he was on cloud nine when Jane admitted that she loved him too.
- The estranged father and son both felt like they were on cloud nine after being reunited.
- Maria’s husband was back from a long business trip, and she was on cloud nine to see him again.
- Enjoying time with my family makes me feel like I’m on cloud nine.
- Going through my old photos puts me on cloud nine.
- Mark and Jessica were on cloud nine after the gynecologist confirmed they were having a baby.
- Mark was on cloud nine to hear that his wife was in labor and they were going to be parents very soon.
- Every time my son sees his childhood friend, he’s on cloud nine.
- My dogs look as though they are on cloud nine when they see me after a long day.
- My mum was on cloud nine to see her grandkids after all this time.
- I was delighted and felt on cloud nine when I got the dream job I had been waiting for.
- James was still on cloud nine a few days after his baby was born.
- When Leah was finally handed the keys to her own home, she was on cloud nine.
- There’s no better feeling than owning your own home; it’s almost as if you’re on cloud nine.
- Aubry got lucky at the casino and won a huge jackpot; no wonder she was on cloud nine when she got home.
- The day I got married was the day I felt what it was like to be on cloud nine.
- The moment my daughter was born, I felt like I was on cloud nine.
- Seeing my son succeed at his new job made me feel like I was on cloud nine.
- I love the way my hair turned out, I’m on cloud nine
More English Idioms
Conclusion
As you can see, the term “on cloud nine” is still used frequently in the 21st century. While its origin is not very clear, we do know that it bears some correlation to the clouds or a floating feeling. This is why it is often used to describe an elated feeling. And now that you understand what the term means and how you can use it to express yourself, you can use it more effectively in your writing as well as your day-to-day interactions with family and friends.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.