hæv jɔːr hɑːrt ɪn jɔːr maʊθ
Body Parts
informal
intermediate
- Literally:
- To have one's heart positioned in one's mouth
What does "have your heart in your mouth" mean?
- To feel extremely nervous or frightened
- To be in a state of intense anxiety or suspense
Examples
- I had my heart in my mouth waiting for the test results.
- Watching the thriller, I had my heart in my mouth the whole time.
- She had her heart in her mouth during the job interview.
Origin
The physical sensation of fear or anxiety that can feel like one's heart is beating so hard it's risen to one's throat. Ancient expression found in Homer's works.
How to use it
Describes intense anxiety or fear, often in suspenseful situations. More common in British English.
Similar expressions
be terrified
be on edge
be extremely nervous
Opposites
be calm
be relaxed
be composed
Related idioms
- keep an eye on
To watch or monitor something carefully
- heart of gold
A very kind, generous, and caring nature
- caught red-handed
Caught in the act of doing something wrong
- keep your chin up
To stay positive and not be discouraged
- wrap your head around something
To understand something complex
- all ears
Listening attentively and eagerly
Use it in a practice answer
Try "have your heart in your mouth" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.