Phrase guide

bounce off the walls

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To be overly active relative to the enclosed space in which one is.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • Near-synonyms: bounce around, jump around, jump about

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: bounce around, jump around, jump about

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To be brimful of agitation from excitement, indignation, or anxiety.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: broadly, figuratively

Examples

  • Acme Inc was our best customer, but they're hopping mad now. They're bouncing off the walls over there.
  • These kids need to get outside for recess. They're bouncing off the walls in here.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

9 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Armenian: իրեն ուտել (iren utel) — to be overly active
  • Armenian: պատերն ելնել (patern elnel) — to be overly active
  • Chinese Mandarin: 興高采烈 /兴高采烈 (xīnggāocǎiliè) — to be overly active
  • Finnish: hyppiä seinillä — to be overly active
  • French: tourner comme un lion en cage — to be overly active
  • German: aufgekratzt sein — to be overly active
  • Polish: nie móc usiedzieć na miejscu — to be overly active
  • Portuguese: ferver — to be overly active
  • Russian: лезть на стенку (leztʹ na stenku) — to be overly active