A light, shaky feeling caused by stress or excitement.
🧠 Example Sentences
Many candidates have butterflies in their stomach before a big job interview.
She always has butterflies in her stomach when speaking to a panel.
He prepared well, but he still had butterflies in his stomach before meeting the hiring manager.
🏛️ Origin
The idiom comes from the idea that strong nerves or excitement can make your stomach feel light or fluttery. People began comparing this feeling to small butterflies moving inside the stomach, and the expression became common in English in the early twentieth century.
1. Fill in the blank
Before the interview started, I had __________ because I wanted to do well.
Answer
butterflies in my stomach
2. Multiple choice
Which situation best shows someone having butterflies in their stomach?
a) Feeling excited and nervous before a job interview
b) Feeling bored during a long meeting
c) Feeling confused about a new schedule
Answer
a) Feeling excited and nervous before a job interview
3. Change the sentence using “have butterflies in your stomach”
“I felt very nervous as I waited for the interview to begin.”
Answer
I had butterflies in my stomach as I waited for the interview to begin.
First impressions matter, especially in a job interview. My Learn English for a Job Interview vocabulary list gives you the correct Business English words and phrases to talk confidently about your experience, skills, and career goals.
You’ll find 60 useful terms and expressions, divided into Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels. Use them to prepare strong answers, describe achievements, and ask smart questions during interviews.
Job interviews can be exciting and challenging. Candidates aim to make a strong impression and employers look for the right fit. In this post, we’ll explore useful job interview phrases and idioms that capture preparation, performance, and the experience of landing a new role.
Idiom
Definition
Example Sentence
Have butterflies in your stomach
Feel nervous or anxious
Before the interview, I had butterflies in my stomach because I was worried about not answering the questions correctly.
In the hot seat
Being in a difficult or uncomfortable situation
During the interview, I felt like I was in the hot seat when they asked me about my biggest weakness.
Being grilled
Being questioned intensively
The interviewer grilled me about my experience in customer service, but I was able to answer all of their questions.
Put on the spot
Suddenly asked to do or answer something without warning
I was put on the spot when the interviewer asked me to describe a time when I failed.
Under the microscope
Being closely examined or scrutinized
During the interview, I felt like I was under a microscope, as the interviewers were carefully assessing my every word and gesture.
Given the third degree
Being questioned intensively and rigorously
The interviewer gave me the third degree about my qualifications for the position, but I was able to convince them that I was a good fit.
Face the music
Confront a difficult or unpleasant situation
After the interview, I had to face the music and accept that I didn’t get the job.
Up against the wall
In a difficult or desperate situation
I felt up against the wall when the interviewer asked me a question I wasn’t prepared for.
Have your ducks in a row
Be well-organized and prepared
Before the interview, I made sure to have my ducks in a row by researching the company and practicing my answers to common interview questions.
Do your homework
Research or prepare thoroughly
I did my homework by reading the company’s website and annual reports to learn more about their culture and values.
On top of things
In control of a situation or task
During the interview, I felt on top of things because I had prepared thoroughly and was confident in my answers.
Winging it
Doing something without preparation or planning
I tried to wing it during the interview, but it quickly became apparent that I wasn’t prepared enough.
Going in blind
Entering a situation without knowledge or information
I went into the interview blind because I hadn’t done any research on the company or the position.
A train wreck
A complete disaster or failure
The interview was a complete train wreck because I didn’t answer any of the questions correctly.
A bomb
A complete failure
My interview was a bomb because I was so nervous that I couldn’t think straight.
A lost cause
A hopeless situation
After the interview, I felt like it was a lost cause and that I wouldn’t get the job.
Come across well
Make a positive impression
I tried to come across well during the interview by being enthusiastic and engaging.
Hit it out of the park
Perform exceptionally well
I hit it out of the park during the interview because I answered all of the questions confidently and articulately.
Nail it
Do something perfectly or with great success
I nailed the interview by demonstrating my skills and experience in a clear and concise manner.
To ace something
Do something perfectly or with great success
I aced the interview by impressing the interviewers with my knowledge and enthusiasm.
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