ɒn klaʊd naɪn
Nature & Weather
informal
beginner
- Literally:
- Positioned on the ninth cloud
What does "on cloud nine" mean?
- Extremely happy or elated
- In a state of bliss or euphoria
Examples
- She's been on cloud nine since the engagement.
- I was on cloud nine after getting the job offer.
- Winning the award put him on cloud nine.
Origin
Possibly from the US Weather Bureau's cloud classification where 'Cloud 9' (cumulonimbus) was the highest. Being on the highest cloud means peak happiness.
How to use it
Describes extreme happiness, often from good news or achievements.
Similar expressions
overjoyed
ecstatic
in seventh heaven
walking on air
Opposites
miserable
depressed
down in the dumps
Related idioms
- out of the blue
Unexpectedly; without warning
- beat around the bush
To avoid talking about the main point of a conversation
- every cloud has a silver lining
There is something positive in every negative situation
- go with the flow
To accept things as they are and adapt accordingly
- once in a blue moon
Very rarely; almost never
- tip of the iceberg
A small visible part of a much larger hidden problem
Use it in a practice answer
Try "on cloud nine" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.