be bitten by the bug

To suddenly be excited by or very interested in something (which can be specified between "the" and "bug"). Molly's really enjoying rehearsing for the school play—it seems she's been bitten by the acting bug. If one of my kids would get bitten by the academic bug, I would be delighted—but no, they just want to skip school and get in trouble all the time. I was never bitten by the fame bug, thank goodness. That kind of attention really messes with people.

be bitten by the bug

COMMON If you are bitten by the gardening bug, for example, or are bitten by the acting bug, you become very enthusiastic about gardening or acting, and you start doing it a lot. I've definitely been bitten by the gardening bug, and now I love weeding and digging. Bitten by the travel bug, he set off for a working holiday in Australia. She provides a guide to Britain's antiques markets and a very useful reference list for those seriously bitten by the bug.

be bitten by/have the ˈbug

(informal) have a sudden strong interest in or enthusiasm for something: My mum was never really interested in going abroad until she went to America last year. Now she’s been bitten by the travel bug and hates staying at home!