happy as the day is long

Idioms  

1. Also, happy as a lark; happy as a clam (at high tide). Extremely glad, delighted, very cheerful, as in He was happy as the day is long, or When she heard the news she was happy as a lark, or Once I got the test results I was happy as a clam at high tide. The first of these similes dates from the late 1700s. The second alludes to the lark's beautiful, seemingly very happy, song. The third, from the early 1800s, alludes to the fact that clams can only be dug at low tide and therefore are safe at high tide; it is often shortened to happy as a clam.

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Example Sentences

Inhabitants of far Japan Are happy as the day is long To sit behind a paper fan And sing a kind of tuneless song, Desisting, ev'ry little while, To have a public bath, or smile.

From Verse and Worse by Graham, Harry

King Pierrot was delighted with Fiorimonde's beauty, and was happy as the day is long; and all things went merrily till the evening before the marriage.

From The Necklace of Princess Fiorimonde and Other Stories by Morgan, Mary de

Now you must be as happy as the day is long until—until—you know when,” she added, restraining with an effort the thrill of tenderness in her voice.

From Fordham's Feud by Mitford, Bertram

"I say that the sun has come out, and I am as happy as the day is long," replied Marjorie.

From The Children of Wilton Chase by Meade, L. T.

Here's a splendid home for him, where he'll be as happy as the day is long.

From Thirty Years in Australia by Cambridge, Ada