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On cloud nine

    Definitions

      • feeling very happy or elated
        Describing a state of extreme joy or happiness, often used to express a sense of being on top of the world or in a state of bliss and contentment.

      • completely unaware or oblivious
        Describing a state of being completely unaware or oblivious to one's surroundings, often used in a negative context to indicate a lack of awareness or attention.

    Examples of On cloud nine

    • After acing the exam, Sarah felt like she was on cloud nine.

      This idiom is used to describe a feeling of extreme happiness and contentment. It comes from the image of being so high in the sky that one is floating on a cloud. In Sarah's case, she felt like she was floating on a cloud due to her success on the exam.

    • When the couple announced their engagement, they were both on cloud nine.

      This idiom can also be used to describe a shared feeling of happiness. In this example, the couple's engagement brought them both to a state of extreme happiness.

    • After winning the lottery, Tom couldn't stop smiling and felt like he was on cloud nine.

      This idiom can be used to describe any situation that brings about extreme happiness. In Tom's case, winning the lottery was a life-changing event that brought him to a state of extreme happiness.

    • The news of the promotion left Jane feeling like she was on cloud nine.

      This idiom can be used to describe a professional achievement that brings about extreme happiness. In Jane's case, her promotion brought her to a state of extreme happiness.

    • The team's victory in the championship left them all feeling like they were on cloud nine.

      This idiom can be used to describe a group's shared feeling of happiness. In this example, the team's victory brought about extreme happiness for all members of the team.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "on cloud nine" is commonly used to describe a feeling of extreme happiness or elation. It can also be used to describe a state of being completely unaware or oblivious to one's surroundings. The conflicting meanings of this idiom can sometimes lead to confusion, but both use cases stem from the idea of being on a higher level or beyond reality.

    In the first usage, being on cloud nine refers to a state of being on top of the world, as if floating on a cloud. This conveys a sense of being in a euphoric state, where everything is perfect and nothing can bring you down. This can be used to describe a moment of great joy or a prolonged period of happiness.

    On the other hand, the second usage of the idiom suggests a sense of detachment or disconnection from reality. It implies that the person is so consumed by their own thoughts or emotions that they are not present in the current moment. This can be seen as a negative state, as it suggests a lack of awareness and attention to one's surroundings.

    Origin of "On cloud nine"

    The origin of the idiom "on cloud nine" is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated from the United States in the 1950s. Some sources suggest that it may have been derived from the classification system for clouds, where the ninth cloud was the highest and therefore seen as the most desirable place to be.

    Another theory suggests that the idiom may have been influenced by the Norse mythology, where the ninth of the nine worlds was a paradise known as Asgard. This could also explain the idea of being on top of the world or in a state of bliss.

    Regardless of its origin, the idiom has become a popular expression in the English language, used to convey a sense of happiness and detachment. It has also been adapted and translated into other languages, showing its widespread usage and cultural significance.