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This saying originated in the early 1800s in the northeast United States, where they eat a lot of clams. At first blush, the phrase seems kind of weird—what could clams possibly have to be happy about?
Turns out our modern idiom is missing some key context. The original phrase was actually “happy as a clam at high tide” or “at high water.” Clams can only be harvested at low tide, so they’re safe and therefore presumably happy at high tide. It’s not completely clear how or why the phrase got shortened, but the meaning has remained pretty much the same.
Aida Medhurst
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoTo understand the meaning of this phrase and how it came about, you also need to know the full version of this phrase, which is "as happy as a clam at high tide [or water]."
Clams are vulnerable when the tides are low because they can be easily found and dug out of the earth. On the other hand, when the tides are high, clams are much more difficult to locate. Thus, clams are happiest when they are safe and secure underneath the water, far away from the hungry mouths of humans!
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoThis is only part of the phrase. It is actually " Happy as a clam at high water". In New England clams can only be harvested at low tide. So the clam is safe and happy when the water is high.
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What does 'calm at high tide' mean?
I think you meant 'clam at high tide' or the full version 'happy as a clam at high tide'. This is an idiom/expression dating from the early 19th century. The expression means to be very joyful or content.
What are the examples of idiomatic expression using animals?
'Strong as an ox' and 'stubborn as a mule' spring to mind... 'Proud as a peacock'... 'As wise as the serpent, and as harmless as the dove'... 'As happy as a clam', or 'As happy as a lark'...
What is a simile for 'as happy as'?
Happy as a clam/a sandboy/Larry.
What is the idiomatic expression for being happy?
You might say "happy as a clam at high tide." This means that you are very happy, as a clam at high tide is covered with water and can breathe and catch food. You might also say "on cloud nine," which is a nonsense phrase meaning ecstatic. Another idiom you might hear is "happy go lucky," which means someone who is happy, but who doesn't worry about where his or her money or food is coming from.
What actors and actresses appeared in Clam Happy - 2011?
The cast of Clam Happy - 2011 includes: Keith Glen Schubert as Tammie Brown
What are the release dates for Clam Happy - 2011?
Clam Happy - 2011 was released on: USA: 1 June 2011
What are the release dates for Davis Rules - 1991 Happy as a Clam - 2.8?
Davis Rules - 1991 Happy as a Clam - 2.8 was released on: USA: 26 February 1992
What does 'happy as a clam' mean?
The original phrase was "happy as a clam at high tide." Clams live in the sand beneath the ocean. When the tide goes out, they are left without any water, and have to survive on what they store in their holes. So when the tide is high, a clam is happy and has plenty of water for food and oxygen.
What is the cliche phrase Happy as a?
happy as a lark happy as a clam happy as a pig in mud happy as a kid in a candy store happy as a fly in honey
Where does clam powder come from animal or plant?
Clam powder comes from the animal, clam. So it is indeed an animal product.
Where do clam seeds come from?
Clams.
On Happy aquarium on Facebook is the clam supposed to give you a pearl a day?
No the clam is just like the treasure chest. It only looks different.
