ants in one's pants

phrase

: impatience for action or activity : restlessness

Word History

First Known Use

1935, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ants in one's pants was in 1935

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Cite this Entry

“Ants in one's pants.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ants%20in%20one%27s%20pants. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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