have the bug

have 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 has the acting bug. If one of my kids had the academic bug, I would be delighted—but no, they just want to skip school and get in trouble all the time. I never had the fame bug, thank goodness. That kind of attention really messes with people.

See also: bug, have

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

have (or be bitten by) the bug

develop a sudden strong enthusiasm for something.

See also: bug, have

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

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!

See also: bitten, bug, by, have

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017