Have ants in your pants
idiom
To be restless or impatient.
He has ants in his pants, he can't sit still for a second.
Often appears as...
- can't sit still
- struggling to wait
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
idiom
To be very excited or eager.
She has ants in her pants from waiting to see the concert.
Often appears as...
- eager for occasion
- looking forward to event
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
idiom
To be restless or impatient.
He has ants in his pants, he can't sit still for a second.
Often appears as...
- can't sit still
- struggling to wait
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
idiom
To be very excited or eager.
She has ants in her pants from waiting to see the concert.
Often appears as...
- eager for occasion
- looking forward to event
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Non-literal Meaning
Understand that no actual insects are involved; it's a metaphor for internal jitteriness or unease.
During the long meeting, I really had ants in my pants waiting for my turn to speak.
Pro Tip 2/3Informal Usage
It's conversational and best used in casual settings, not formal or academic ones.
Sorry for squirming, I just have ants in my pants today!
Pro Tip 3/3Avoid Overuse
Using this phrase too often might confuse non-native speakers or seem unprofessional.
I know I said he has ants in his pants, but I mean he's just really energetic.
Pro Tip 1/3Non-literal Meaning
Understand that no actual insects are involved; it's a metaphor for internal jitteriness or unease.
During the long meeting, I really had ants in my pants waiting for my turn to speak.
Pro Tip 2/3Informal Usage
It's conversational and best used in casual settings, not formal or academic ones.
Sorry for squirming, I just have ants in my pants today!
Pro Tip 3/3Avoid Overuse
Using this phrase too often might confuse non-native speakers or seem unprofessional.
I know I said he has ants in his pants, but I mean he's just really energetic.
Pro Tip 1/3Non-literal Meaning
Understand that no actual insects are involved; it's a metaphor for internal jitteriness or unease.
During the long meeting, I really had ants in my pants waiting for my turn to speak.
Pro Tip 2/3Informal Usage
It's conversational and best used in casual settings, not formal or academic ones.
Sorry for squirming, I just have ants in my pants today!
Pro Tip 3/3Avoid Overuse
Using this phrase too often might confuse non-native speakers or seem unprofessional.
I know I said he has ants in his pants, but I mean he's just really energetic.
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