To have butterflies or have butterflies in your stomach means you have a nervous feeling in your stomach. The expression can also be used with get as in get butterflies. Below are some examples of how this expression is used.

Do you get butterflies when you like someone?

Unless, of course, youre in a relationship — and the person making you feel this way is NOT your partner. Then that feeling can be downright terrifying. Heres the thing: feeling butterflies in the stomach when you like someone is totally normal.

What happens when you get butterflies?

The blood vessels surrounding your stomach and intestines constrict and the digestive muscles contract. Its that drop in blood flow that makes you feel like winged insects are fluttering around in your stomach. Another unpleasant side effect you may experience in moments of panic is a sudden need to use the bathroom.