ENGLISH
REFERENCE

one's heart in one's mouth

idiom
Meaning

A state of nervousness.


Examples
SIMPLE

I had my heart in my mouth during the scary movie.

CONTEXTUAL

As the plane started to shake during the storm, I had my heart in my mouth.

COMPLEX

With his heart in his mouth, he stepped onto the stage to address the silent, expectant crowd for the first time.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    abound in one's own sense

    To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.

  2. 02

    absence makes the heart grow fonder

    One feels more love or affection for those one loves when parted from them.

  3. 03

    ace up one's sleeve

    A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.

  4. 04

    act one's age

    To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.

  5. 05

    act one's age, not one's shoe size

    Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).

  6. 06

    afraid of one's own shadow

    Exceptionally timid.

  7. 07

    air one's dirty laundry in public

    To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.

  8. 08

    air one's dirty linen in public

    Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.

Last updated July 12, 2026