English Reference
Idiom idiom

get a charge out of


To derive excitement, entertainment, or pleasure from.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

“I get a real charge out of watching old movies.”

CONTEXTUAL

“He gets a charge out of fixing broken clocks in his spare time.”

COMPLEX

“She always gets a charge out of exploring hidden trails, finding a sense of adventure that her daily routine lacks.”


The idiom originates as an allusion to the sensation of receiving a physical shock from an electric charge. It entered common usage during the early 20th century, drawing a parallel between the sudden jolt of electricity and a corresponding surge of emotional excitement.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    as it gets

    As it is possible to be.

  2. 02

    been there, done that, got the T-shirt

    Alternative form of been there, done that, bought the T-shirt.

  3. 03

    can't get enough

    Greatly enjoys; likes a lot.

  4. 04

    cat got someone's tongue

    Why is someone not saying anything?

  5. 05

    charge down

    To lose electrical power

  6. 06

    charge up

    To motivate, to instill someone with determination.

  7. 07

    could not get elected dogcatcher

    Said of someone, particularly a politician, who is extremely unpopular.

  8. 08

    don't get someone started

    Used to attempt to avoid or abbreviate a discussion that speaker or hearer may wish to avoid.

Last updated August 10, 2026