Flying high
Meaning
To be very successful, extremely happy and confident, or under the influence of drugs.
Origin
The phrase "flying high" draws its evocative power from the literal act of flight, a sensation long associated with freedom, aspiration, and unparalleled perspective. From the effortless soar of birds to the triumphant early days of aviation, achieving great height became synonymous with success and an elevated state of being. This literal elevation seamlessly transitioned into a metaphor for reaching peak levels of achievement, experiencing intense joy, or feeling an intoxicating sense of confidence, capturing the exhilaration of defying gravity and transcending ordinary bounds.
Examples
- After closing the biggest deal of her career, the young entrepreneur was truly flying high.
- The band's new album topped the charts for weeks, and they were flying high on their sudden fame.