The phrase "walk on air" can be transcribed using the International Phonetic Alphabet as /wɔːk ɒn ɛːr/. The first sound, /w/, is a voiced bilabial glide, followed by the long vowel sound /ɔː/ (as in "saw") and the voiceless velar plosive /k/. The second part of the phrase starts with the short vowel sound /ɒ/ (as in "cot"), followed by a long open-mid front unrounded vowel sound /ɛː/ (as in "fair") and ending with the alveolar/ dental nasal sound /n/. In simple terms, "walk on air" sounds like "wok on air."
To "walk on air" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a state of extreme happiness, exhilaration, or elation. It suggests a feeling of being light, buoyant, or as if one is floating above the ground.
The phrase derives its meaning from the literal impossibility of physically walking on air, as air is intangible and cannot support human weight. Consequently, "walk on air" is a metaphorical expression used to illustrate an individual's elevated emotional state.
When someone says they are "walking on air," they are conveying the sentiment that they are experiencing a level of contentment or joy that makes them feel detached from the worries and mundane realities of life. It often indicates a moment of extreme success, accomplishment, or an overall sense of deep happiness in personal or professional matters.
The phrase can also be used to describe the exhilaration one feels after a positive outcome or pleasant surprise. It captures the sensation of feeling alive and invigorated, as though stepping on air rather than on solid ground.
Overall, "walking on air" is a vivid expression that encapsulates the emotions associated with extreme happiness, joy, or a state of supreme satisfaction, highlighting the transcendence of ordinary circumstances and a temporary departure from the mundane.