ENGLISH
REFERENCE

bright-eyed and bushy-tailed

idiom
Meaning

Eager, alert, enthusiastic, and lively.


Examples
SIMPLE

She arrived at work bright-eyed and bushy-tailed this morning.

CONTEXTUAL

Despite the early flight, the students arrived at the museum bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, ready to learn.

COMPLEX

The young intern appeared bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, eager to prove his worth to the senior partners on his very first day.

Anchors to

Last updated April 17, 2026