feel (one's) oats
1. To be very active and energetic. The dog must be feeling his oats, considering how he's running around the yard today.
2. To be aware of one's own power or importance. If you sassed the boss like that, you must be feeling your oats!
feel one's oats
Fig. to be very lively. Careful with that horse. He's feeling his oats today. Mary was feeling her oats and decided to go out dancing.
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]
feel your oats
AMERICAN, INFORMALIf you feel your oats, you are full of energy and excitement. This success has Ralph Raina, one of the area's most prominent businessmen, feeling his oats. Murphy is feeling his oats as a budding movie star.
feel your oats
feel lively and buoyant. US informal Oats are used as feed for horses, making them friskier and more energetic.
feel (one's) oats
1. To be energetic and playful.
2. To act in a self-important manner.