It rained all day today. In English class, I learned a new phrase: "be beside oneself with… " I can usually figure out new phrases from context, but this one stumped me. I mean, why beside? Later, Dad

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It rained all day today. In English class, I learned a new phrase: "be beside oneself with… " I can usually figure out new phrases from context, but this one stumped me. I mean, why beside? Later, Dad explained it in the most vivid way: it’s like your soul leaves your body from overwhelming feelings, such as excitement, anger, and stands beside it. Suddenly, it made sense! A leaked out soul next to its body! Isn’t there a similar expression in Chinese? I’ll be beside myself with excitement when I find it!

Jun 18, 2025 11:54 AM

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It rained all day today. In English class, I learned a new phrase: “be beside oneself with…” I can usually figure out new phrases from context, but this one stumped me. I mean, why beside? Later, Dad explained it in the most vivid way: it’s like your soul leaves your body from overwhelming feelings — like excitement or anger — and stands next to it. Suddenly, it made sense! A soul leaking out and standing next to the body! Isn’t there a similar expression in Chinese? I’ll be beside myself with excitement when I find it!

Alternative Version - - - - - It rained all day today. In English class, I came across a new phrase: “to be beside oneself with…” Normally, I can guess the meaning of idioms from context, but this one completely puzzled me. Why beside? Later, Dad gave me the most vivid explanation — it’s like your soul steps out of your body due to overwhelming emotion, like excitement or anger, and stands right next to it. Suddenly, it clicked! A soul stepping out, right beside its body! Isn’t there a similar saying in Chinese? I’ll be beside myself with excitement if I find it! - - - - - - - Tip • “Stumped me” is informal and fine, but “puzzled me” sounds more natural in writing. -- • “Why beside?” is good for curiosity, but in formal writing, “Why beside?” shows emphasis better with italics. -- • “Leaked out soul” isn’t idiomatic. “A soul stepping out” or “leaving the body” is more vivid and natural. -- • “I’ll be beside myself with excitement when I find it” is fine, but “if I find it” is more natural because you’re not certain yet. -- • Using phrases like “came across” and “it clicked” helps the tone feel smoother and more fluent. --

Jun 18, 2025 2:05 PM