to be overwhelmed with an extreme emotion · to be unable to control your feelings
Ever felt so happy you could burst, or so frustrated you just wanted to scream? That's when you're "beside yourself"! 🤯 This phrase perfectly captures those moments when emotions are running so high, you feel like you're almost not in control. It can be used for extreme joy, anger, grief, or even worry.
💡 **Pro-tip!** While "beside yourself" often implies a loss of control, it doesn't always mean a *negative* loss of control. You can be "beside yourself with joy" or "beside yourself with excitement." However, it can also describe someone "beside themselves with anger" or "beside themselves with grief." The emotion usually follows the phrase with "with [emotion]". Don't forget the "to be" verb before it!
When would someone most likely be described as 'beside themselves'? A. 😴 After a relaxing yoga session, feeling calm and peaceful. B. 🎉 When they win a lottery jackpot or lose their temper in a heated argument. C. 🚶♀️ While taking a leisurely stroll in the park, enjoying the scenery.