As Happy As A Lark – Definition & How to use

The idiom, “as happy as a lark” gained popularity in the first half of the 19th century and is still very much in use. This idiom is inspired by the lark’s mellifluous voice as it sings breathtaking and melodious songs. Moreover, larks are also capable of mimicking the voices of other birds.

What is the Meaning and Origin of the Expression “As Happy as a Lark”?

“As happy as a lark” is an idiom that is used to denote a  person’s intense happiness and excitement. It is used as a simile that describes a very cheerful person. In a separate context, it can also mean being carefree or unaware of grimmer realities.

Larks in Literature

Due to their euphoric voices, larks have also become a part of other forms of literature like poems and prose along with idioms and similes. They are also known as the heart-favourite bird of literature because the pleasing voices of these birds are a source of happiness and healing. The mention of larks in the poems of famous writers like Shakespeare and Percy Bysshe Shelley speaks a lot about how they were also delighted by the joyful voices of larks.

Symbolic Meaning of Larks – A Messenger

Larks are also known to be divine messengers. These birds start singing with the sunrise, dispersing warmth with their sweet melodious songs, which are associated with hope, peace, and new beginnings.

Larks have a crescent shape present on their breasts which connects them to the moon. Moon is often associated with the concept of self. It conveys that these birds help us connect with our inner selves to sing out loud with amusement.

People are amused by larks’ voices due to the beauty and light they bring to their lives. We derive pleasure and happiness from their enchanting songs. It is a fact that an object of beauty is a joy forever.

How to Use the Phrase “AS HAPPY AS A LARK”

This idiom is used as a simile in situations of pure delightfulness and joy. So when you are extremely happy you feel like a lark – a lark flying and singing carefree in the air with happiness overpowered.

There are many occasions where you can use this idiom. Here are some examples:

• “He’s as happy as a lark ever since he got his dreamjob.”
• “She is as happy as a lark after she graduated and became independent.”
• “The whole country is as happy as a lark after our team won the World Cup.”

You can use this idiom with the people who are close to you or understand what the phrase means. Otherwise, it might cause an awkward situation for the people who are not familiar with it.

Here is an example of how to use it in conversation.

Teen 1: Have you passed your annual exams?

Teen 2: Absolutely!

Teen 1: How was your result?

Teen 2: I nailed it!

Teen 1: You must be happy!

Teen 2: That is an understatement. I am as happy as a lark!

CONCLUSION

“As Happy As A Lark” is a catchy and frequently used phrase. It conveys melodiousness and pleasure in a larks voice and connects it with the happiness in our lives. The high tweet of the lark symbolizes the height of happiness.