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Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Describe good fortune, confidence, and feeling secure—with a note about comparing yourself to others.
VOA source audio
Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptThe episode explains expressions for feeling happy or being in a strong position: “sitting pretty,” “on top of the world,” “have it made,” and “on cloud nine.” It notes that “sitting pretty” can suggest an advantage, sometimes compared with another person’s less favorable position.
Cultural note: These phrases can sound boastful or insensitive if someone nearby is struggling. Use them to describe your own feeling, or explain the practical advantage rather than ranking people’s lives.
Keep exploringA favorable position can come from luck, preparation, or support. Practise naming the reason instead of making a broad claim that everything is perfect.
Phrase guide · 5 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Describe a very positive feeling or a sense that life is going well.
Meaning
Extremely happy or feeling that life is going very well.
Tone & use
A warm, informal phrase for a strong positive feeling; it does not literally mean being above others.
Example
“He was on top of the world after his family came to see his graduation.”
Meaning
Very happy or excited.
Tone & use
Informal and often used after good news or a special success.
Example
“They were on cloud nine when the adoption was finalized.”
Explain why someone may feel secure or advantaged.
Meaning
Being in a very favorable, secure, or advantageous situation.
Tone & use
Informal. It may imply that someone has an advantage others do not have.
Example
“With a flexible schedule and a paid internship, Lena was sitting pretty for the summer.”
Meaning
Be in a very good situation, often with little difficulty ahead.
Tone & use
Can sound envious or overly confident. Context helps show whether you mean comfort, success, or luck.
Example
“With tuition covered and a job lined up, she thought she had it made—but she still had a lot to learn.”
Talk about someone whose future looks promising.
Meaning
Likely to become successful or make progress.
Tone & use
Often an encouraging description of someone’s potential, not a guarantee about the future.
Example
“Her curiosity and steady practice make her a young designer who is going places.”
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
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