as pleased as punch

The phrase "as pleased as punch" is an idiomatic expression used to describe someone who is extremely happy or delighted about something. It originates from the character "Mr. Punch" in the traditional British puppet show called Punch and Judy. Mr. Punch is depicted as a gleefully mischievous character, often celebrating his victories with great pleasure. Thus, being "as pleased as punch" implies being as content, satisfied, or joyful as the character.