Float Someone's Boat

Meaning

The phrase "float someone's boat" means to make someone feel excited, happy, or interested.

Usage

The phrase is often used in a positive sense, to indicate that something is enjoyable or appealing. For example, you might say "Playing video games always floats my boat" if you enjoy playing video games.

The phrase can also be used in a more neutral sense, to indicate that something is simply interesting or appealing, even if you don't necessarily enjoy it yourself. For example, you might say "I think a trip to the museum would float my boat" if you are interested in going to the museum, even if you don't know for sure if you would enjoy it.

Origin

The phrase "float someone's boat" is thought to have originated in the early 1900s. It is believed to have come from the phrase "to keep someone afloat," which means to provide someone with financial or emotional support. Over time, the phrase "to keep someone afloat" evolved into the more idiomatic phrase "to float someone's boat."

Conclusion

The phrase "float someone's boat" is a versatile phrase that can be used to express a variety of positive emotions. It is a reminder that everyone has different tastes and interests, and that it is important to respect the choices of others.