ɒn tɒp əv ðə wɜːrld
Emotions
informal
beginner
- Literally:
- Positioned at the highest point of Earth
What does "on top of the world" mean?
- Feeling extremely happy and successful
- Elated and full of confidence
Examples
- After the promotion, I felt on top of the world.
- She's on top of the world after winning.
- Getting married made them feel on top of the world.
Origin
The image of standing at the world's highest point—nothing is above you. Represents peak happiness or success.
How to use it
Describes peak happiness or success. Often follows achievements.
Similar expressions
ecstatic
overjoyed
on cloud nine
elated
Opposites
down in the dumps
miserable
at rock bottom
Related idioms
- hang in there
To persevere during difficult times
- lose your temper
To become suddenly angry
- get cold feet
To become nervous or afraid before doing something important
- rain on someone's parade
To spoil someone's plans or enthusiasm
- blow off steam
To release pent-up energy or emotion through activity
- pull yourself together
To regain composure and self-control
Use it in a practice answer
Try "on top of the world" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.