definitions
  • synonyms

ants in one's pants, have

1

Be extremely restless, uneasy, impatient, or anxious, as in This child just can't sit still; she must have ants in her pants. This rhyming idiom calls up a vivid image of what might cause one to be jumpy. [Slang; 1920s]

2

Be eager for sexual activity, as in Bill's got ants in his pants for Rita. This usage is less common today. [Slang; 1920s]

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Nearby words

antrostomy, antrotomy, antrotympanic, antrum, antrum of highmore, ants in one's pants, have, antseranana, antshrike, antsiranana, antsy, antu
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.