Idioms and metaphors – Happiness is Yellow

Idioms and metaphors – Happiness is Yellow

by | Dec 30, 2024 | Learn more words

Sorry, but lessons on The Blue Tree work only on a computer or a tablet.

Bardzo mi przykro, ale lekcje na platformie The Blue Tree działają jedynie na komputerze lub tablecie.

Do zobaczenia na większym ekranie 🙂

Zespół The Blue Tree

back to HOME > Learning English > Learn more words >
Idioms and metaphors – Happiness is Yellow
Learn more words

THE BLUE TREE

Learn Words

CEF B1

CEFR B2

Upper
Intermediate

Practise speaking by describing this picture

warm up

Answer the questions below. Listen to same people answering these questions. Report back or read the transcript to practise speaking.

Share with the class a happy memory. What is it about? Why is it special for you?
TRANSCRIPT
A happy memory for me is when I went to the beach with my family last summer. We spent the whole day swimming, playing volleyball, and having a barbecue. It was special because we don’t often have time to be together like that, and the weather was perfect. I felt really relaxed and full of joy.
How do you define happiness? What does being happy mean to you?
TRANSCRIPT
For me, happiness is about inner balance. I’ve learned from the Stoics that it doesn’t depend on external things like money or success. It’s more about how we respond to what happens in life. If I can stay calm and accept things I can’t control, I feel at peace. That’s what being happy means to me — it’s a state of mind, not something you get from outside.
Is being happy the same as being successful?
TRANSCRIPT
No, I don’t think being happy is the same as being successful. Success often depends on achievements, money, or status, but happiness is something deeper. You can have everything and still not feel happy. For me, happiness comes from feeling content and at peace with myself, while success is more about reaching goals. They’re both important, but they don’t always go together.

STUDY SECTION

Happy moments

Alita and Pete are chatting about some happy moments in their lives. Listen to and read their dialogue. Role play it, if possible.

Notice the language in bold. These are idioms and metaphors of happiness we will be learning in this lesson.

HOLIDAYS IN THE SUN

Alita: Hey Pete, do you remember that day when we went to the beach and the sun was shining so bright?

Pete: Yeah, that was a great day! I was feeling so cheerful and in a good mood.

Alita: You were definitely cheery! I remember you couldn’t stop grinning from ear to ear.

Pete: Haha, I know! I was so thrilled to be there. It really made my day.

Alita: I was feeling the same way. The whole atmosphere just raised our spirits.

Pete: I was over the moon when we found that spot under the palm trees. It was perfect.

Alita: Yeah, and when we went for a swim in the ocean, I felt so delighted.

Pete: I remember you couldn’t stop talking about it afterwards. You were happy as can be.

Alita: It was just one of those moments that you want to gloat about. I’m so glad we got to experience it together.

moving in

Alita: Pete, can you believe it? We’re finally moving into our own place!

Pete: I know, Alita! I’m absolutely over the moon about it. I’ve been grinning like a Cheshire cat all day.

Alita: Me too! When I walked through the door earlier, I felt like I was on cloud nine. This flat is everything we dreamed of!

Pete: And unpacking these boxes together—it’s strangely fun. It’s like unwrapping a gift that keeps on giving.

Alita: Totally! When we set up the sofa in the living room, I felt like the cat that got the cream. It fits perfectly.

Pete: Yeah, and the kitchen! When I saw how much storage space we have, I felt like I’d hit the jackpot.

Alita: And don’t even get me started on the view from the balcony. It’s like having a front-row seat to happiness.

Pete: Every detail just lights me up inside. I can’t wait to host our first dinner party here. It’ll be the icing on the cake.

Alita: Agreed! This flat already feels like home. I’m so happy I could burst!

Pete: Same here, Alita. Here’s to a new chapter filled with joy and plenty of good vibes.

THE FIRST BABY

Alita: Pete, can you believe it? We’re going to be parents!

Pete: I know, Alita! I’m still trying to wrap my head around it. I’m absolutely euphoric.

Alita: Me too. When the doctor confirmed it, I felt this blissful wave of joy. It’s hard to describe, but I was glowing from the inside out.

Pete: I noticed! You’ve been walking around like the happiest camper ever since.

Alita: How could I not? Just thinking about our little one makes my heart skip a beat.

Pete: Same here. I’m as happy as a clam. The idea of becoming a dad fills me with so much joy, I can’t stop smiling.

Alita: And when we picked out that tiny onesie yesterday, I felt like I was floating on air. It made everything feel so real.

Pete: I know what you mean. Seeing you so happy is like sunshine after a storm.

Alita: This journey feels so special, Pete. I’m overjoyed to share it with you.

Pete: Me too, Alita. We’re starting a beautiful chapter, and I couldn’t be more delighted about what’s ahead.

HAPPY FLASHCARDS

Go through the flashcards. Learn the idioms and metaphros of happiness.

PRACTICE

WHAT’S THE MEANING

Complete the quiz below. Choose the best answer for each of the 15 items.

If you score more than 60%, you will receive a beautiful certificate.

IDIOMS AND METAPHORS
Decide what is the best answer in each of the 15 items in this quiz.
If you score more than 60%, you will receive a beautiful certificate.

1. Which phrase means "to be extremely happy and showing it on your face"?
2. What does "made my day" mean?
3. "Over the moon" is closest in meaning to:
4. If someone is "on cloud nine," they are:
5. "Pure bliss" describes:

6. What does "walking on air" mean?
7. If something "warms your heart," it:
8. "Finding a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow" implies:
9. "On top of the world" is used to describe:
10. "In seventh heaven" means:
11. "A little piece of paradise" refers to:
12. What does "like sunshine on a cloudy day" mean?


Well done! You're almost there!

13. "The cherry on top" signifies:
14. "The cat that got the cream" describes someone who:
15. "Hit the jackpot" means:

RankUserCorrect ScoreTime Taken
1Norbert Burmistrzak10000:29:32
2None8600:32:47
3None8000:31:08
4None8000:31:15
5None8000:31:25
6Krzysztof Sowiński7300:10:38
7Krzysztof Sowiński7300:56:06

FILL IN THE GAPS

Complete the sentence below with the idioms and metaphors of happiness. 

If you score more than 60%, you will receive a beautiful certificate.

IDIOMS AND MEATPHORS
Happiness is Yellow

Fill in the gaps.

1.

A: Hi, Jules, you look like a happy ? What happened?
B: She said "Yes", Jules agreed to marry me!

2.

A: After hearing the news, I felt like I was walking on .
B: That must have been an amazing moment!

3.

A: Look at her smile! She’s grinning from ear to .
B: She must have received great news.

4.

A: Winning this prize really made my .
B: Congratulations! You deserve it.

5.

A: When they announced the promotion, I was over the .
B: That’s fantastic!

6.

A: This view is pure .
B: It’s so peaceful and beautiful.

7.

A: Your story really warms my .
B: Thank you, it means a lot to me.

8.

A: Discovering that hidden gem was like finding a pot of at the end of the rainbow.
B: What a special experience!

9.

A: When I achieved my goal, I felt on top of the .
B: What an accomplishment!

10.

A: After hearing the good news, I was in seventh .
B: You look so excited!

11.

A: That secluded beach felt like a little piece of .
B: I’d love to visit it someday.

12.

A: Your support is like sunshine on a day.
B: I’m glad I could help.


Well done! You're almost there!

13.

A: That sunset was the cherry on of our trip.
B: It really was the perfect ending.

14.

A: When I solved the puzzle, I felt like the cat that got the .
B: You must be so proud of yourself.

15.

A: I’m so happy I could !
B: Your excitement is contagious.

FREE PRACTICE

Use the language in this lesson to practise talking/writing about happy moments in your life. 

Paste your story in the comments below.

LESSON GLOSSARY

Idiom/Metaphor Polish Translation English Example
grinning from ear to earuśmiechać się od ucha do uchaShe was grinning from ear to ear when she got the job.
made my dayzrobiło mi dzieńThat compliment really made my day.
raised our spiritspodniosło nas na duchuThe kind words raised our spirits after a tough week.
over the moonw siódmym niebieHe was over the moon when he won the competition.
happy as can beszczęśliwy jak nigdyI'm happy as can be about the results!
pure blissczysta błogośćThat peaceful afternoon was pure bliss.
walking on airchodzić jak w chmurachAfter hearing the good news, I was walking on air.
warms your heartrozgrzewa serceThis story always warms your heart.
finding a pot of gold at the end of the rainbowznaleźć garniec złota na końcu tęczyDiscovering that hidden café was like finding a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
on top of the worldna szczycie świataI felt on top of the world after finishing the marathon.
in seventh heavenw siódmym niebieWhen I got the promotion, I was in seventh heaven.
a little piece of paradisekawałek rajuThat secluded beach felt like a little piece of paradise.
sunshine on a cloudy daypromień słońca w pochmurny dzieńHer kindness was like sunshine on a cloudy day.
the cherry on topwisienka na torcieThat beautiful sunset was the cherry on top of a perfect day.
grinning like a Cheshire catuśmiechać się jak kot z CheshireHe walked in grinning like a Cheshire cat.
on cloud ninew siódmym niebieI was on cloud nine after the surprise party.
the cat that got the creamjak kot, który zjadł śmietanęShe looked like the cat that got the cream after solving the puzzle.
hit the jackpottrafić w dziesiątkęWinning that contest felt like hitting the jackpot.
front-row seat to happinessmiejsce w pierwszym rzędzie do szczęściaThe balcony view gives you a front-row seat to happiness.
lights me up insiderozświetla mnie od środkaHer smile lights me up inside every time.
the icing on the cakewisienka na torcieThe successful launch was the icing on the cake.
so happy I could bursttak szczęśliwy, że aż pęknęI was so happy I could burst when I heard the news.
euphoriceuforycznyHe felt euphoric after the birth of his daughter.
blissfulbłogiShe was blissful as she listened to her favorite song.
happy camperszczęśliwiecHe's a happy camper with his new promotion.
glowing from the inside outpromienieć od środkaShe was glowing from the inside out after her big win.
as happy as a clamszczęśliwy jak małżaThey looked as happy as a clam in their new house.
floating on airunosić się w powietrzuFloating on air, she celebrated her success.
sunshine after a stormsłońce po burzyHis words were like sunshine after a storm.
overjoyedprzepełniony radościąI'm overjoyed to hear about your achievement.
Idiom/MetaphorPolish TranslationEnglish Example

COMMENTS

When did you feel the happiest? Share with The Blue Tree the story of your happiest moment.
Don’t chase happiness. Become antifragile.

Don’t chase happiness. Become antifragile.

by | Sep 6, 2022 | Man and Society

Sorry, but lessons on The Blue Tree work only on a computer or a tablet.

Bardzo mi przykro, ale lekcje na platformie The Blue Tree działają jedynie na komputerze lub tablecie.

Do zobaczenia na większym ekranie 🙂

Zespół The Blue Tree

back to HOME > General Interest > Man and Society >

Don’t chase happiness. Become antifragile.
Learn more words

THE BLUE TREE

Man & Society

CEF B1

CEFR B2

Upper
Intermediate

Practise speaking by describing this image

warm up

Answer the questions below. Then listen to the model answers and think about how you could improve yours.

How important is the pursuit of happiness for you?
TRANSCRIPT

The pursuit of happiness is really important to me, but I’ve learned that it’s not always about being happy all the time. I think it’s about finding balance and meaning in life, even when things are tough. For me, it’s about making choices that lead to long-term satisfaction, not just quick moments of joy. Happiness is something I actively work on, but I know it’s not a constant state.

What can tough times teach us? Is there any advantage in going through hardships?
TRANSCRIPT

Tough times can be some of the best teachers. Going through hardships makes you stronger, more understanding, and better equipped to handle future challenges. It’s like when you exercise and your muscles get stronger after being pushed to their limits. In the same way, when life pushes you, you grow, learn, and develop resilience. There’s definitely an advantage in going through tough times because they show you what you’re capable of.

How can we become more resilient to painful emotions and events?
TRANSCRIPT

To become more resilient to painful emotions and events, I think it’s important to first acknowledge and accept those feelings, rather than trying to avoid them. Learning to manage emotions through mindfulness, talking with others, or even just giving yourself time can make a big difference. Building strong relationships and focusing on personal growth also helps. It’s about recognizing that challenges are part of life and using them to grow rather than break.

part one

key language

watch the video

COMPREHENSION

  • ⌚ 0:09 What two kinds of people do not experience emotions?
  • ⌚ 0:19 What false expectation do many people have in relation to happiness?
  • ⌚ 0:26 What do we need to learn to do with painful emotions?
  • ⌚ 1:12 What is Resilience 1.0 system about?
  • ⌚ 1:23 How is Resilience 2.0 different from 1.0?

part two

key language

watch the video

COMPREHENSION

  • ⌚ 1:42 What example from our bodies illustrate the antifragile system?
  • ⌚ 2:02 What is PTG and how is it different from PTSD?
  • ⌚ 2:15 What is the goal of happiness studies?
  • ⌚ 3:00 What paradox exists in the context of pursuing happiness?
  • ⌚ 3:09 How can we resolve this paradox?
  • ⌚ 3:50 How is it similar to looking at the sun?

part three

key language

watch the video

COMPREHENSION

  • ⌚ 4:17 What does SPIRE stand for?
  • ⌚ 4:32 What is spirituality about?
  • ⌚ 4:42 What is one the most important component of the physical element of the rainbow?
  • ⌚ 4:58 What is the main problem related to stress?
  • ⌚ 5:27 How can we draw happiness from intellectual side of life?

part four

key language

watch the video

COMPREHENSION

  • ⌚ 5:41 What is the number one predictor of well-being?
  • ⌚ 5:54 How important is the quality of our relationships?
  • ⌚ 6:01 What two kinds of emotions do we need to learn to embrace?
  • ⌚ 6:13 What did Cicero think about gratitude?
  • ⌚ 6:19 What is the benefit of showing more appreciation?
  • ⌚ 6:26 In what sense is happiness more than just pleasure?
w

DISCUSSION

  • What do you think of the idea of Antifragility / Resilience 2.0?
  • Would you add any more elements to the SPIRE Model? What would they be?
  • Why do you think people who pursue happiness directly are often unhappy?
  • Which element of the SPIRE Model brings most happiness to you?
  • Tal Ben-Shahar says that ‘happiness resides on a continuum’, that it is a journey. Do you agree with it?
  • At the end he says: “I do not think that things necessarily happen for the best. However, we can learn to make the best of things that happen”. What does it mean for you? 

POLL

Which element of the SPIRE plays the most important role in your happiness?

CAST YOUR VOTE
×

lesson glossary

Content of this section is only shown to VIP members of The Blue Tree. Do you want to become a member? Email us at hi@thebluetree.pl

COMMENTS

What do you think of the idea of antifragility? Does it make sense to you? What would your rainbow colours refer to? 

Share your views and experience here.