As high as a kite

Definitions

• To describe someone who is extremely intoxicated or under the influence of drugs
  Used colloquially to convey a state of being heavily inebriated or drugged

• To describe something or someone that is at a great height
  Used figuratively to compare the height of an object or person to that of a kite, which is known for flying high in the sky

Examples of As high as a kite

• After a long day of studying, John felt as high as a kite from the caffeine in his coffee.

  This idiom is used to describe someone who is feeling extremely energetic or excited, as if they are floating on air. In this example, John's high level of energy and focus after drinking coffee is compared to the sensation of flying a kite, which is high in the sky.

• The stock market soared to new heights, leaving investors feeling as high as a kite.

  This idiom is used to describe a sudden and dramatic increase in value or success. In this example, the rise in the stock market is compared to the sensation of flying a kite, which is high in the sky.

• After a long day of work, Sarah felt as high as a kite from the adrenaline rush of completing a challenging project.

  This idiom is used to describe someone who is feeling extremely excited or invigorated, as if they are floating on air. In this example, Sarah's high level of energy and satisfaction after completing a challenging project is compared to the sensation of flying a kite, which is high in the sky.

• The weather forecast called for a sunny day, leaving everyone feeling as high as a kite.

  This idiom is used to describe a positive and optimistic outlook or mood. In this example, the sunny weather forecast is compared to the sensation of flying a kite, which is high in the sky.

• After a long and stressful week, Jane felt as high as a kite from the weekend's relaxing activities.

  This idiom is used to describe someone who is feeling extremely relaxed and rejuvenated, as if they are floating on air. In this example, Jane's high level of relaxation and rejuvenation after enjoying relaxing activities over the weekend is compared to the sensation of flying a kite, which is high in the sky.

Conclusion

This idiom is most commonly used to describe a person who is heavily intoxicated or under the influence of drugs. It can also be used to describe something that is at a great height, emphasizing its tall or elevated position.

Origin of "As high as a kite"

The origin of this idiom is believed to date back to the early 1900s, when kites were a popular recreational activity and often flown at high altitudes. The phrase "high as a kite" was first used in a literal sense to describe the height of a kite in the sky. However, over time, it became more commonly used in a figurative sense to describe a person who was excessively intoxicated.

Some theories suggest that the phrase may also have been influenced by the effects of certain drugs, such as opium, which were often consumed by users through smoking, giving them a sensation of being lifted or "high". This could have led to the phrase being used to describe someone who was under the influence of drugs.

Overall, the origin of this idiom is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have evolved over time from its literal meaning to its current figurative use. It has become a widely recognized and commonly used expression in colloquial English, often used to humorously describe someone who is heavily intoxicated or in a state of euphoria.