keyed up
The phrase "keyed up" originated in the late 19th century, metaphorically describing the emotional state of being highly energized, similar to winding a key-operated mechanism to its maximum tension.
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Definition
B2General
(colloquial)Feeling nervous or anxious, often in anticipation of an event.
Example
- I was keyed up before my big interview, but now that it’s over, I feel so much better.
B2General
(colloquial)Filled with energy or excitement, often to the point of being restless.
Example
- We were all keyed up about the big game.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "keyed up":
amped upgeed upcranked uprarked uppumped uphopped upfired upamp upgear upjuiced upturnt uptuned inkey onjazzed uptee upcue upfire upgen updone upjacked upkey upkey offlocked and loadedrark upjammed upkey intotool upbound upgun upshook upin gearcrank uptied uphype upcharge upsteamed up