in good spirits

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in good spirits

Fig. happy and cheerful; positive and looking toward the future, despite unhappy circumstances. The patient is in good spirits and that will speed her recovery. Tom wasn't in very good spirits after he heard the bad news.

in good spirits

Also, in high spirits. Happy, cheerful, as in Jane was in good spirits today. [Early 1700s] However, high spirits also can indicate liveliness and vivacity, as in The children were in high spirits at the prospect of a trip to the circus.

See also: good, spirit

References in classic literature ?

With a pleasant air of patronage, the Dean as nearly cocks his quaint hat as a Dean in good spirits may, and directs his comely gaiters towards the ruddy dining-room of the snug old red-brick house where he is at present, 'in residence' with Mrs.

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I went home in good spirits (for me) to report what had happened, and found the brokers in the house carrying off the furniture which I had bought with my own money for sale by auction.

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Vanstone had unquestionably left the house in good spirits.

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