Question

He was on cloud nine after his proposal was accepted.

• A. Extremely happy
• B. Very high up
• C. Confused and lost
• D. Feeling unwell

Answer 1

Answer:

A. Extremely happy

Understanding the Idiom: "On Cloud Nine"

• The idiom "on cloud nine" is used to describe a state of extreme happiness, joy, or elation. It signifies being completely blissful and content.

• Origin and Background

  • While the exact origin is debated, one popular theory links it to the International Cloud Atlas.
  • The 1896 edition of the International Cloud Atlas, published by the International Meteorological Committee, classified clouds into various types.
  • One theory suggests that "Cloud Nine" refers to the cumulonimbus cloud, which is the highest-reaching cloud formation and is associated with storms and often seen as majestic or powerful, perhaps inspiring a feeling of awe and therefore happiness.
  • Another theory attributes its origin to the US Weather Bureau's classification in the 1950s, where "Cloud Nine" was specified as the cumulonimbus cloud, representing the highest and fluffiest type, making it a metaphorical peak of happiness.

• Usage in English

  • This idiom is commonly used informally to express a feeling of intense joy, often after a significant positive event, such as a success, good news, or a personal achievement.
  • It implies a feeling so strong that one feels almost detached from reality, floating in happiness.

• Related Idioms and Synonyms

  • Similar idioms that convey extreme happiness include: "walking on air," "in seventh heaven," "over the moon," and "tickled pink."
  • Synonyms for "extremely happy" include: elated, overjoyed, thrilled, ecstatic, euphoric, blissful, jubilant.

• Relevance for Competitive Exams

  • Idioms and phrases are a frequent component of English language sections in competitive exams.
  • Questions often require candidates to identify the meaning of an idiom in a given context or to choose the correct idiom to complete a sentence.
  • Understanding the nuance and common usage of such idioms is crucial for scoring well in vocabulary and grammar sections.