feel one's oats



feel one's oats

1. Feel frisky or animated, as in School was out, and they were feeling their oats. This usage alludes to the behavior of a horse after having been fed. [Early 1800s]
2. Display self-importance, as in He was feeling his oats, bossing everyone around. [Mid-1800s]
See also: feel, oat

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Leuthar-Ancient Germanic
HermiaHER-mee-ahLiterature
ÍVarr-Ancient Scandinavian
Hershel-Yiddish
EmelyEM-ə-leeEnglish (Modern)
Millie['mili]