It is used to express lightheartedness or even relief. It is used to describe someone who is happy, excited, elated, delighted or thrilled about something. The phrase “on cloud nine” is always used in a positive context. While the origin is still uncertain, we do know that it has been used since 1949, and the most credible origin of this idiom would be its correlation to the cumulonimbus cloud. This idiom doesn’t appear to be as old as other commonly used terms and may have only surfaced in 1949 and appeared in the Denton Record-Chronicle. So being on the top of this cloud would make you feel as if you were on top of the world, and so the term arose, or so it is believed. The highest reaching cloud was believed to be the cumulonimbus cloud and rose up to 10km.

For instance, the number 9 meant that the cloud was high up and a cloud given a lower number implied that it was lower down. So a number was assigned to a cloud-based on its altitude. It is believed that they used numbers to classify various types of clouds. There is, however, little to no evidence to support this belief.Īnother speculation is that the saying is connected to meteorologists. Some people believe that it has its roots in the Buddhist faith and, more specifically, the ten steps of enlightenment. When it comes to the origin of this term, it is not clear. Other meanings include being extremely cheerful, thrilled, or very excited about a person, situation, opportunity, or event. It simply means that you are positive or enthusiastic about something. The term “on cloud nine” implies that a person is happy or on top of the world, so to speak. One such idiom is “on cloud nine.” Let’s take a look at its meaning and uses in the English language. But what are they? Well, they are terms or phrases that have a literal definition but also a figurative meaning.

Idioms are all around us, and in fact, we use them quite frequently.

Make everyday a cloud nine meaning