As Saint Valentine’s Day draws near, love idioms and phrases are increasingly popular. While some universal idioms are easily translated, many idioms on love can be difficult to comprehend. Here are 12 popular love idioms and phrases that are used frequently but are quite confounding.
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1. Blind Date
Although dating a person who is visually impaired might be considered a blind date, the term is commonly used for a pre-arranged social appointment where a third-party sets a date for two mutual friends who have never met. Therefore, the date is designated as “blind.”
2. To Fall For
In the case of “to fall for someone” or “to fall in love,” the word fall functions as an intransitive verb representing a particular state of being.
Example: When Francois gave Jeanette a handwritten poem, she knew he was falling for her.
3. To Find Mr. Right or Miss Right
This common phrase denoting the ideal romantic partner has been in use since 1922 when the Irish author James Joyce coined the expression.
Example: After she paid the excessive restaurant bill, Marie knew she had found Mr. Wrong not Mr. Right.
4. To Get Back Together
Getting back together is a common intransitive phrasal verb used when a couple, band or group decide to resume their relationship.
Example: Isabella wistfully looked through the love letters from her ex-lover and realized they should get back together.
5. To Get Engaged
To get engaged is a phrase related to marriage that implies the betrothed parties are reserved for one another.
Example: Since meeting her prince charming, Delilah couldn’t wait to get engaged.
6. To Get Hitched
To tie the knot or get hitched are both common informal terms for marriage.
Example: The bride and groom got hitched and were united in a bond even stronger than a trailer hitched to an overloaded station wagon.
7. To Have a Crush
A crush is a common informal idiom for a romantic infatuation. This term has been used since the 19th century and is still popular today.
Example: Paul had a crush on Sophie since first grade. He finally summoned up enough courage to invite her to the movies.
8. Head Over Heels
Falling head over heels in love with someone is an idiomatic way of expressing the overwhelming excitement of irrevocable affection.
Example: Juliet knew she was falling head over heels for Romeo.
9. To Be Hung Up On Someone
This popular phrase has been in use since the late 1800s. It implies a lingering interest or something you can’t get out of your head.
Example: Antoinette had been hung up on that mysterious cowboy since they met one fateful night.
10. To Patch Up a Relationship
Patching is a term often used for repairing tires or mending jeans. However, it can also be used to denote emotional reconciliation.
Example: Jack and Jill decided it was time to patch up their relationship.
11. To Pop The Question
This informal idiom for proposing marriage has been in use since 1826.
Example: Marcus stopped by the jewelry store that evening and was waiting for the right moment to pop the question.
12. Those Three Little Words
There are plenty of three-word phrases, but this romantic idiom only refers to “I love you,” the most meaningful phrase of all.
Example: Martina waited with anticipation hoping her sweetheart would say those three little words.
Understanding colloquial phrases is essential for anyone who wants to use idioms with love. Are there any love-related phrases or idioms on love that you find difficult to decipher? If so, share them here.
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