What does “Fever pitch” mean?

"Fever pitch" means a state of extreme excitement or agitation.

What context can I use the in?

Example

The crowd reached a fever pitch as the team scored the winning goal.

Example

The anticipation for the concert was at a fever pitch as fans lined up for hours.

Example

The political rally reached a fever pitch as the candidate delivered a powerful speech

Is “Fever pitch” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Fever pitch” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Fever pitch” effectively in context?

You can use "Fever Pitch" to describe a state of extreme excitement or agitation. It is often used to describe situations where emotions are running high and people are highly enthusiastic or worked up about something. For example, if you are describing a sports game where the crowd is extremely loud and enthusiastic, you might say, 'The atmosphere in the stadium reached a fever pitch as the team scored the winning goal.'

1Sports
The crowd reached a fever pitch as the team scored the winning goal.
2Concert
The anticipation for the concert was at a fever pitch as fans lined up for hours.
3Political Rally
The political rally reached a fever pitch as the candidate delivered a powerful speech.

Similar phrases to “Fever pitch”:

On cloud nine

To be extremely happy or elated

Example

She was on cloud nine after receiving the job offer.

Jump out of one's skin

To be extremely startled or surprised

Example

He jumped out of his skin when the fireworks went off.

Over the moon

To be extremely delighted or thrilled

Example

They were over the moon when they won the lottery.

In seventh heaven

To be in a state of bliss or extreme happiness

Example

She felt like she was in seventh heaven on her wedding day.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Fever pitch” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Fever Pitch" is unknown.

Is “Fever pitch” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Fever Pitch" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe situations where emotions are running high and people are highly excited or agitated.

What tone does “Fever pitch” have?

"Fever Pitch" conveys a tone of intense excitement or agitation. It is used to describe situations where emotions are at their peak and people are highly enthusiastic or worked up.

Can “Fever pitch” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Fever Pitch" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that conveys the idea of extreme excitement or agitation. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The atmosphere in the stadium reached a fever pitch as the team scored the winning goal.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'It's at a "fever pitch"!' to imply a high level of excitement.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

intense excitement
heightened anticipation
extreme agitation
peak enthusiasm
highly worked up