To feel nervous, anxious, or excited, typically before an important event or when facing an uncertain situation.
This phrase dates to the early 20th century and describes the actual physical sensation of nervous fluttering in the stomach area. The metaphor compares the light, fluttering feeling of anxiety to the movement of butterfly wings, creating a vivid and relatable image.
This phrase perfectly captures a genuine physiological response - when we're nervous, our sympathetic nervous system redirects blood flow away from the digestive system, causing that distinctive fluttering sensation. The butterfly metaphor is so universal that similar expressions exist in many languages, suggesting this physical experience transcends cultural boundaries.
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