have ants in one's pants

/hav ˈants ɪn wˈɒnz pˈants/

/hæv ˈænts ɪn wˈʌnz pˈænts/

[phrase]

to have ants in one's pants

[PHRASE]

to have a hard time staying calm due to being extremely nervous or excited about something

to [have] ants in {one's} pants definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "have ants in one's pants" and when to use it?

The idiom "have ants in one's pants" originated in the United States, particularly in the early to mid-20th century. It is believed to have emerged as a colloquial expression within American English. The imagery of ants crawling inside one's pants was used figuratively to depict a state of restlessness, agitation, or impatience. The phrase is commonly used when someone is eagerly awaiting a particular event or outcome, such as before a performance, a job interview, or the start of a vacation. It can also be used to describe a person's general energetic or hyperactive behavior, especially when they are unable to sit or stand still for an extended period.

Examples

1. We sometimes say that people who are restless or nervous have ants in their pants.

2. I think I watched his stand ups, a few specials, and I was thinking of like, he always goes, "I've noticed, when I wear my pants, sometimes I do have ants in my pants, and that's a saying, but it's true to my life."

Nearby words

have big shoes to fill

have broad shoulders

have butterflies in stomach

have designs on

have enough of