have butterflies in one's stomach

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have butterflies in one's stomach (third-person singular simple present has butterflies in his/her stomach, present participle having butterflies in one's stomach, simple past and past participle had butterflies in one's stomach)

1. To experience a certain “fluttery” physical sensation in the abdomen, associated with nervousness, uncertainty, or anxiety. Often associated with love.

   Kevin had butterflies in his stomach every time he saw Chrissy.

2. (idiomatic) To be nervous, uncertain, or anxious.

   He had butterflies in his stomach on the morning of his wedding.

   Synonym: have the collywobbles