feel (one's) oats

feel (one's) oats

1. To be very active and energetic. The dog must be feeling his oats, considering how he's running around the yard today.
2. To be aware of one's own power or importance. If you sassed the boss like that, you must be feeling your oats!
See also: feel, oat
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

feel one's oats

Fig. to be very lively. Careful with that horse. He's feeling his oats today. Mary was feeling her oats and decided to go out dancing.
See also: feel, oat
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

feel one's oats

1. Feel frisky or animated, as in School was out, and they were feeling their oats. This usage alludes to the behavior of a horse after having been fed. [Early 1800s]
2. Display self-importance, as in He was feeling his oats, bossing everyone around. [Mid-1800s]
See also: feel, oat
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

feel your oats

AMERICAN, INFORMAL
If you feel your oats, you are full of energy and excitement. This success has Ralph Raina, one of the area's most prominent businessmen, feeling his oats. Murphy is feeling his oats as a budding movie star.
See also: feel, oat
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

feel your oats

feel lively and buoyant. US informal
Oats are used as feed for horses, making them friskier and more energetic.
See also: feel, oat
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

feel (one's) oats

1. To be energetic and playful.
2. To act in a self-important manner.
See also: feel, oat
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • feel oats
  • feel one's oats
  • feel your oats
  • oat
  • feel one's oats, to
  • (one's) day in court
  • (from) top to toe
  • (one's) old man
  • (one's) old lady
  • (one's) bark is worse than (one's) bite