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orbit

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go into orbit

 

1. Lit. [for a rocket, satellite, etc.] to rotate around a heavenly body in a fixed path. The satellite went into orbit just as planned. When did the moon go into orbit?

2. Fig. [for someone] to get very excited. (See also go ballistic.) She was so upset, she went into orbit. Todd went into orbit when he heard the price.

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*in orbit

 

1. Lit. [of something] circling a heavenly body. (*Typically: be ~; put something [into] ~.) The moon is in orbit around the earth. They put the satellite into orbit.

2. Fig. ecstatic; thrilled; emotionally high. (*Typically: be ~.) Jane is in orbit about her new job. John went into orbit when he got the check in the mail.

3. Inf. intoxicated. After having six drinks all to herself, Julie was in orbit.

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orbit (around) someone or something

to circle around something in an orbit. The flies orbited around Fred and his ice-cream cone. Many satellites orbit around our planet.

in orbit

Thrilled, delighted, as in Dean's in orbit over his son's success. This expression alludes to the successful launching into orbit of a satellite or other spacecraft. [Slang; late 1900s]

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go into orbit

in. to become very excited. The entire staff went into orbit when they got the news.

See also: orbit

in orbit

1. mod. ecstatic; euphoric. She was just in orbit when she got the letter.

2. mod. alcohol or drug intoxicated. Gary is in orbit and can’t see a hole in a ladder.

See also: orbit