# 眉飞色舞

méi fēi sè wǔ

Show delighted animation in expression

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Eyebrows fly and the face dances

**Traditional Chinese:** 眉飛色舞

**Register:** Standard · expressive

[People & connection](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/relationships)

## When to use it

Describe lively excitement while speaking or recalling events.

Can suggest boastful enthusiasm.

## Understanding the expression

Raised eyebrows and an animated face make excitement visibly contagious. The expression often describes someone telling a successful or amusing story with evident delight. It emphasizes expressive movement rather than silent happiness. Context can make the enthusiasm charming or slightly boastful, particularly when the speaker repeatedly celebrates personal success. The person need not literally move in an exaggerated way; the image captures how pleasure brings energy to the face and voice.

## Examples

他眉飞色舞地讲起旅行。

### Traditional Chinese

他眉飛色舞地講起旅行。

tā méi fēi sè wǔ dì jiǎng qǐ lǚ xíng 。

He animatedly recounted his trip with delight.

拿到奖状，她眉飞色舞。

### Traditional Chinese

拿到獎狀，她眉飛色舞。

ná dào jiǎng zhuàng ， tā méi fēi sè wǔ 。

She beamed with excitement on receiving the certificate.

孩子眉飞色舞地描述比赛。

### Traditional Chinese

孩子眉飛色舞地描述比賽。

hái zi méi fēi sè wǔ dì miáo shù bǐ sài 。

The child excitedly described the match.

一提到新店，他就眉飞色舞。

### Traditional Chinese

一提到新店，他就眉飛色舞。

yì tí dào xīn diàn ， tā jiù méi fēi sè wǔ 。

Whenever his new shop comes up, he becomes visibly enthusiastic.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E7%9C%89%E9%A3%9B%E8%89%B2%E8%88%9E)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=874&webMd=1&la=0)

## Keep exploring

- [眉开眼笑 méi kāi yǎn xiào Show happiness openly in one's face ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/mei-kai-yan-xiao)

- [门当户对 mén dāng hù duì Match in family background or social standing ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/men-dang-hu-dui)

- [面面相觑 miàn miàn xiāng qù Look at one another in confusion or dismay ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/mian-mian-xiang-qu)

- [明目张胆 míng mù zhāng dǎn Act openly and brazenly ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/ming-mu-zhang-dan)

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