full of beans

full of beans

Meaning

• to be optimistic or enthusiastic
• to be full of energy and in high spirits
• to feel cheerful and lively

Example Sentences

1. Upon hearing the good news, Mary was definitely full of beans.
2. Although she was envious of her friend's successes, Linda appeared like she was full of beans over her friend's promotion.
3. It is a general conception that every bride should be full of beans on their wedding day.
4. John's reaction showed that he was full of beans after hearing that he was going to be a dad for the second time.
5. Kelly's outstanding results in her finals made her parents full of beans.
6. These days, it is hard to find someone who will be full of beans on receiving a loan from the bank due to the steep interest rates.

Origin

Originally, this phrase was known as “Full as Prunes” and then “prunes” was replaced with “beans”. The phrase originated in Europe in the 14^th century when horses were fed with beans grown solely for fodder. After feeding the horse, the owners often noticed that the horses became quite energetic and lively. Hence the phrase originated to refer to this state of liveliness.