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AI for Breakfast
Post 88 - It’s the weekend, Idiom of the Day
On cloud nine
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Figurative meaning
The phrase "on cloud nine" is used to describe a state of extreme happiness, bliss, or euphoria. When someone says they are "on cloud nine," it means they are in a very joyous and carefree state.
Typical usage
This idiom is commonly used in casual conversation to express personal happiness or to congratulate someone else on their joy. For example, someone might say, "I just got promoted at work, and I'm on cloud nine!" It can also be used in various forms of writing to convey a high level of happiness experienced by characters or subjects.
Origin
The exact origin of "on cloud nine" is somewhat unclear, but there are a few theories. One popular theory links it to the U.S. Weather Bureau in the 1950s, which classified clouds by numbers depending on their altitude and form. In this system, cloud nine was identified as the cumulonimbus cloud that can reach up to 10 km in height, typically associated with thunderstorms and other intense phenomena, suggesting a high and mighty position.
Another theory suggests a connection to Buddhism, where certain texts refer to the nine stages of enlightenment, with the ninth stage being a place of perfect peace and happiness. However, there is no concrete evidence to confirm this theory as the direct source of the phrase.
Regardless of its true origins, "on cloud nine" entered popular vernacular and has been associated with a state of happiness since at least the mid-20th century.
