The idiom “on cloud nine” (ɒn klaʊd naɪn) is used to describe a state of extreme happiness or elation. It’s an informal expression indicating that someone is feeling ecstatic. It is commonly used in conversational English and can add a descriptive flair to your IELTS Speaking and Writing tests.

Synonyms:

1. Elated (ɪˈleɪtɪd) – Overjoyed or extremely happy.
   • Example: She was elated at the news of her promotion.
2. Over the moon (ˈəʊvər ðə muːn) – Extremely happy.
   • Example: He was over the moon when he passed his exams.
3. In seventh heaven (ɪn ˈsevənθ ˈhevən) – In a state of extreme joy.
   • Example: They were in seventh heaven after their wedding.
4. Walking on air (ˈwɔːkɪŋ ɒn eə) – Feeling very happy.
   • Example: Since she found out about the scholarship, she’s been walking on air.
5. Ecstatic (ɪkˈstætɪk) – Very happy and excited.
   • Example: The fans were ecstatic after the team’s victory.

A person on cloud nine

Popularity of “On Cloud Nine” in IELTS

Meaning and Pronunciation

“On cloud nine” signifies a state of bliss. Pronounced /ɒn klaʊd naɪn/, it comprises:

• On: pertaining to a state or condition.
• Cloud: metaphorical usage indicating a dreamlike state.
• Nine: considered a lucky number in old American slang.

Occurrence in IELTS

This idiom regularly appears in the IELTS Speaking test, especially where candidates are asked to describe personal experiences or emotions. It may also be used in the Writing test within Task 2 to describe societal issues or personal opinions.

Sample Usage in IELTS

IELTS Speaking

Part 1 Example:

Question: Describe a time when you felt very happy.
Answer: “I was on cloud nine when I received my acceptance letter from the university. It felt like all my hard work had paid off.”

Part 2 Example (Cue Card):

Describe an achievement you are proud of.

• “I remember the moment vividly. When the announcement was made that I had won the regional science fair, I was absolutely on cloud nine. It was a surreal experience, filled with joy and a sense of accomplishment.”

Part 3 Example:

Question: How important is it to celebrate success?
Answer: “Celebrating success is crucial because it not only rewards the efforts but also motivates individuals. When people perceive their achievements as significant, such as feeling on cloud nine, it instills confidence and encourages further pursuits.”

IELTS Writing Task 2 Example

Topic: The role of happiness in success.
Essay:
“In modern society, the pursuit of happiness has become a central goal for many. It’s often said that being in a state of happiness, like feeling on cloud nine, can significantly contribute to one’s success. Happy individuals are more likely to be productive, innovative, and resilient, thereby achieving more in their personal and professional lives. Various studies have shown that employees who report higher levels of happiness are more diligent and committed to their roles, leading to better performance outcomes.”

Combinations and Collocations with “On Cloud Nine”

1. Feel on cloud nine: Indicates a personal emotion.
   • Example: She felt on cloud nine after her engagement.
2. Put someone on cloud nine: Refers to making someone extremely happy.
   • Example: His surprise visit put me on cloud nine.
3. Be on cloud nine: General state of elation.
   • Example: Ever since the project was approved, she has been on cloud nine.

Related Idioms and Phrases

1. On top of the world – Extremely happy.
   • Example: Since his promotion, he’s been on top of the world.
2. In high spirits – Very happy and lively.
   • Example: Everyone was in high spirits at the party.
3. Full of the joys of spring – Very happy and energetic.
   • Example: She’s been full of the joys of spring since the arrival of her baby.
4. Beside oneself with joy – Very happy or overjoyed.
   • Example: They were beside themselves with joy at their team’s victory.
5. Grinning from ear to ear – Smiling a lot due to happiness.
   • Example: He was grinning from ear to ear when he won the lottery.
6. In a state of euphoria – Experiencing intense happiness.
   • Example: The whole team was in a state of euphoria after the win.
7. Jumping for joy – Very happy and excited.
   • Example: She was jumping for joy when she heard the news.
8. On cloud seven: Similar to on cloud nine but less commonly used.
   • Example: I felt like I was on cloud seven after my exam results.

Conclusion

Understanding and effectively using idioms like “on cloud nine” can enrich your lexical resource and coherence in the IELTS exam. By practicing these idioms and integrating them naturally into your responses, you can demonstrate a higher level of language proficiency. Each idiom has its context and appropriate usage, so ensure you practice them with suitable examples to enhance your performance in both the Speaking and Writing sections.

Practice Questions:

1. Describe a memorable event that made you feel like you were on cloud nine.
2. Explain why achieving a goal can make someone feel like they’re on cloud nine.

By incorporating idioms and phrases that express emotions vividly, you can add strength and depth to your answers, facilitating higher band scores in the IELTS examination.