13 Phrases for Feeling Relieved
That wonderful feeling when a big worry is finally over needs the right words to describe it. Learning these 13 phrases for feeling relieved will help you share that happy, relaxed feeling naturally in English. From finishing a hard exam to hearing good news, you’ll know exactly what to say.
Common Ways to Say ‘What a Relief!’
Casual & Everyday Phrases
- What a relief! The most common and direct way to express relief. I found my keys! What a relief!
- I’m so relieved. A simple and clear statement about your feeling. The doctor said it’s just a small infection. I’m so relieved.
- That’s a weight off my shoulders. An idiom meaning a big worry or responsibility has been removed. Finally submitting my thesis was a weight off my shoulders.
- You have no idea how relieved I am. Emphasizes the depth of your feeling. You have no idea how relieved I am that you’re safe.
- I can breathe again. A descriptive phrase showing the physical feeling of relief. Now that the presentation is over, I can breathe again.
Expressing Happy Surprise
- Oh, thank goodness! A very common exclamation of relief, often used when something bad was avoided. The test results are negative. Oh, thank goodness!
- That’s a huge load off my mind. Similar to “weight off my shoulders,” but specifically for mental worry. Knowing the travel plans are confirmed is a huge load off my mind.
- I’ve been worried sick, but now… Shows the contrast between past anxiety and current relief. I’ve been worried sick, but now that I’ve heard from her, I feel much better.
Formal & Professional Phrases
- It’s a great relief to hear that. A polite and slightly more formal way to express relief. It’s a great relief to hear that the project is back on track.
- That is very reassuring. Focuses on how the news or action made you feel secure. Your team’s analysis is thorough. That is very reassuring.
- I’m glad that’s over. A universal phrase for when a difficult or stressful situation has ended. The audit went well. I’m glad that’s over.
Strong & Emotional Phrases
- I feel like I dodged a bullet. An idiom meaning you narrowly avoided a very bad situation. If I had taken that flight, I would have been stranded. I feel like I dodged a bullet.
- What a close call! Used when something bad almost happened, but didn’t. The car just missed us! What a close call!
Real-Life Dialogues
Student A: How did your final exam go?
Student B: I passed! And I even got a B! You have no idea how relieved I am. That’s a huge load off my mind.
Student A: Congratulations! What a relief!
Manager: The client has approved the final design with no changes.
Designer: Seriously? Oh, thank goodness! I’m so relieved. I was preparing for a lot of feedback.
Manager: Me too. It’s a great relief to hear that.
Quick Tips: Choosing the Right Phrase
| Situation | Recommended Expression | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| A small, everyday worry is solved | What a relief! | It’s quick, natural, and perfect for minor stresses. |
| A long period of stress has ended | That’s a weight off my shoulders. | It powerfully conveys the feeling of a heavy burden being lifted. |
| You avoided a potential disaster | I feel like I dodged a bullet. | This idiom is vivid and clearly communicates a narrow escape. |
| A professional or formal context | That is very reassuring. | It is polite, professional, and expresses confidence in the outcome. |
Practice Tip
Think of one thing you were worried about this week that turned out fine. Say to yourself, “What a relief! I was worried about [the thing], but it’s okay now.”
Why This Matters
- Using these 13 phrases for feeling relieved helps you share positive emotions and connect with others after a stressful time.
- It makes your English conversations more natural and expressive, moving beyond simple words like “happy.”
- Understanding these phrases is key to following real conversations in movies, TV shows, and daily life.
Relief is a wonderful feeling, and now you have the perfect words to describe it. Try using one of these phrases the next time a worry is resolved. You’ll sound more fluent and be able to share your happiness more effectively. Happy learning! 😊
