ants in one's pants Idiom

get ants in one's pants

Idiom(s): get ants in one's pants

Theme: DRYNESS

to become nervous and agitated.
• I always get ants in my pants before a test.
• I wonder if all actors get ants in their pants before they go on stage.

ants in one's pants|ant|ants|pant|pants

n. phr., slang Nervous over-activity; restlessness. Jane can not sit still; she has ants in her pants. You have ants in your pants today. Is something wrong?

ants in one's pants, have

ants in one's pants, have
1) Be extremely restless, uneasy, impatient, or anxious, as in This child just can't sit still; she must have ants in her pants. This rhyming idiom calls up a vivid image of what might cause one to be jumpy. [Slang; 1920s]
2) Be eager for sexual activity, as in Bill's got ants in his pants for Rita. This usage is less common today. [Slang; 1920s]

ants in the/(one's) pants

Said of one who is clumsy to sit still, due to anxiety, balance energy, or impatience. The byword is about acclimated with the verb "have." The kids absolutely accept all-overs in the pants today, so I'm activity to booty them to the playground. A: "Why is Carrie pacing?" B: "She's cat-and-mouse for her doctor to call, so she's had all-overs in her pants all day."Learn more: ant, pant