Full of beans

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Meaning

Bursting with energy or enthusiasm, lively as if fueled by a jolt.

Origin

From 19th-century Britain, possibly tied to horse racing-beans fed steeds for speed, slang by 1840s for human spunk. An 1870 'Punch' cartoon uses it for a chipper chap. Some trace it to coffee beans' buzz, but horses led, growing into a jolly idiom of vim in a hearty age.

Usage Examples

  • The kids are full of beans after that sugar rush.
  • He's full of beans today; running circles around us!
  • She woke up full of beans, ready to tackle the day.

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