be in (one's) altitudes
obsolete To be inebriated. That gentleman becomes most uncivil when he is in his altitudes.
in the altitudes
Intoxicated, with the connotation of being "high" (overly cheerful, unable to focus) as well. A: "Don't mind him, he's just in the altitudes." B: "Seriously? How is he drunk already?" Once I get in the altitudes, I usually can't stop giggling!