English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Full of beans
Meaning
The idiom "full of beans" is commonly used to describe someone who is exaggerating, boasting, or being dishonest about something. It can also be used to describe someone who is full of energy and enthusiasm.
Usage
- He's full of beans when it comes to his business dealings.
- She's always full of beans when she talks about her achievements.
- The new employee is full of beans and eager to impress the boss.
- I don't trust him - he's just full of beans and trying to sell me something.
- She's full of beans and always up for an adventure.
Roots and History
The exact origins of this idiom are uncertain, but it has been used in English since at least the 16th century. One theory suggests that it comes from the idea of a bean being filled with a liquid or gas, which could be used as a metaphor for someone who is boasting or exaggerating. Another theory suggests that it comes from the idea of a bean being full of energy and vitality, which could be used to describe someone who is enthusiastic about life.
Synonyms in English
- Full of hot air
- Blowing one's own trumpet
- Self-promoting
- Exaggerating
- Being windy
Synonyms in other languages
- Spanish: Tocar el cuello (meaning "touch the neck", used to describe someone who is boasting or exaggerating)
- French: Parler avec le vent dans les cheveux (meaning "talk with the wind in one's hair", used to describe someone who is enthusiastic about life)
- German: Hoch auf sich raufen (meaning "blow oneself up", used to describe someone who is boasting or exaggerating)
- Italian: Avere i polsi in aria (meaning "to have one's elbows in the air", used to describe someone who is enthusiastic about life)
- Turkish: Saksuyaklık yapmak (meaning "to blow oneself up", used to describe someone who is boasting or exaggerating)