Why Do People Get 'Butterflies in Their Stomachs' When Nervous?

When you're nervous, your body gets ready for action, like when you’re about to run away from a lion. This is called the fight-or-flight response. Your brain sends messages through nerves to your stomach, making it flutter, just like a butterfly flaps its wings. That’s why we say people get butterflies in their stomachs when they're nervous or excited.

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Examples

  1. You feel butterflies when you're about to go on stage for the first time.
  2. Your stomach flutters before your favorite team plays in a big game.
  3. You get fluttery feelings at the thought of giving a surprise speech.

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