student asking question

What does it mean to have the butterflies?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

The expression "have the butterflies" is short for the idiom "have butterflies in your stomach", and refers to being nervous or anxious about something. This expression is commonly used before someone performs or speaks in public, but it can be used in any situation where someone is nervous and feels a little nauseous. Ex: He had butterflies in his stomach before his big speech. Ex: Even as an experienced singer, she still gets butterflies before she sings on stage. Ex: She gets butterflies in her stomach every time she talks to him.

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