Have you watched children on school playgrounds? They are feeling their oats! Free from classrooms, they run, jump, and play. Excitement fills the air.

Feeling their oats means being active and full of energy.

This expression applies to more than children. Adults also want to move after long periods of inactivity.

Feeling their oats suggests the behavior of horses after they are fed.

Oats or other grains increase their energy and liveliness. According to The Free Dictionary, this early nineteenth century expression is American in origin.

Feeling their oats also refers to feelings of self-importance.

Those feelings show up when:

• Children refuse to obey.
• Adults try to control others.
• Anyone acts high and mighty.

Full of energy works well. Full of self-importance does not.

Increase the first. Avoid the second.

“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18 NIV).

Thanks to Judy Fagan for the suggestion. Image by Patou Ricard from Pixabay.

Do you have an expression you want explained or thoughts about this one? If so, please comment below.

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