higher than a kite: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘higher than a kite’ mean?
The idiom "higher than a kite" means being under the influence of drugs or alcohol and feeling extremely intoxicated or euphoric.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "off one's tits" means to be extremely intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.
Knee-high to a grasshopper is an idiom that has been in use for centuries. It is commonly used in informal speech to describe someone who is very young or small. The idiom conveys the idea of someone being short or small in size, often implying that they are young and inexperienced.
The idiom "in one's cups" refers to being drunk or intoxicated. It implies that someone has consumed so much alcohol that they are influenced or affected by it. The phrase is often used to describe someone who is behaving differently or experiencing the effects of excessive drinking.
The idiom "high and mighty" means that someone is arrogant, haughty, or acting superior to others. It refers to someone who thinks they are better or more important than everyone else.
High and mighty is an idiomatic expression used to describe someone who is arrogant or conceited, believing themselves to be superior to others.
"High and dry" is an idiom that means to be left in a difficult or helpless situation, especially without any assistance or support.
The idiom "have a snootful" means to consume or drink a large amount of alcohol, often to the point of becoming intoxicated.
Have a snootful is an idiomatic expression used in American English. It is an informal and colloquial phrase that is commonly used in spoken language, particularly in casual or humorous contexts. This idiom has been in use for many decades and is still used today.
The idiom "have a jag on" means to be drunk or intoxicated. It is often used to describe someone who has consumed excessive amounts of alcohol.
The idiom "go wild" means to become extremely excited or enthusiastic, often losing control of one's behavior or actions.
The idiom "good drunk" refers to someone who is pleasant and enjoyable to be around when they are intoxicated.
The idiom "good drunk," often used in American English, refers to someone who is intoxicated in a positive or enjoyable way. Unlike the negative connotations associated with excessive alcohol consumption, this idiom highlights the idea of drunkenness as a desirable state.
Celestial Soaring
The idiom "higher than a kite" is a commonly used phrase in American English, especially in informal contexts. It means to be extremely intoxicated or under the influence of drugs. The phrase compares the state of being intoxicated to the soaring altitude of a kite. It is often used to describe individuals who are visibly affected by substances and may exhibit exaggerated behaviors or altered perceptions.
While the exact origin of the idiom is unclear, it is believed to have emerged in the early 20th century. The use of the word "higher" in the context of intoxication or drug use is common in English idioms, with phrases like "high as a kite" dating back to the 19th century. The idiom likely gained popularity and widespread usage due to its catchy nature and the evocative imagery it creates.
The idiom "higher than a kite" is primarily used in casual or colloquial speech and is rarely used in formal or professional settings. It is most commonly used in conversations or descriptions related to substance abuse or excessive alcohol consumption. The idiom carries a slightly humorous connotation, often suggesting that the person referred to is acting foolishly or recklessly.
It is important to note that the idiom can also be used in a figurative sense to describe a state of extreme excitement or elation that is not necessarily related to substance use. In this context, it conveys a sense of being emotionally and mentally elevated or exhilarated.
The idiom "get high" is similar in meaning to "higher than a kite." It also refers to the state of being intoxicated or under the influence of drugs. However, "get high" is a more general term that can encompass a wider range of situations and substances. It can refer to the use of drugs like marijuana or cocaine, as well as the consumption of alcohol. Like "higher than a kite," it is often used informally and carries a colloquial tone.
The idiom "off one's tits" is another expression that is related to being intoxicated. It is a more graphic and explicit way of describing extreme intoxication. The phrase "off one's tits" is slang and is considered quite vulgar. It is used to emphasize the intensity or extremity of the state of being intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.
The idiom "higher than a kite" is a vivid and descriptive expression that effectively communicates the concept of being heavily intoxicated or under the influence of drugs. Its origin and usage are straightforward, making it a commonly understood and widely used phrase in American English. While the idiom conveys a sense of completeness in its meaning, it also opens up the possibility for further exploration of the complexities and consequences associated with substance abuse and altered mental states.
Example usage
1. After winning the championship, the team celebrated all night, and by morning they were higher than a kite.
2. Sarah couldn't concentrate in class because she had drunk too much coffee and was higher than a kite.
3. The children were so excited for their field trip that they were higher than a kite all morning.
More "Intoxication" idioms
