Understanding Love & Relationship Idioms, Sayings, Phrases, And Expressions

Love and relationship idioms have a way of adding warmth and emotion to our conversations, enriching our words with sentiments that are both heartfelt and impactful.

Here, you’re about to explore a collection of love and relationship idioms, each carrying its own unique meaning, origin, synonyms, and example sentences.

Whether you’re curious about phrases like “head over heels” or want to understand what it means to “wear your heart on your sleeve,” this guide is your companion to a more expressive and romantic vocabulary.

Perfect for language enthusiasts, writers, or anyone looking to add a touch of romance to their conversations, our collection of love and relationship idioms will fill your speech with passion and depth.

Get ready to dive into the world of love and relationship idioms, and uncover the origin behind these expressions that keep our language brimming with emotion and charm!

Common Love & Relationship Idioms & Expressions – Meaning, Origin, and Example Sentence

Tie The Knot

Synonym: Get married
Meaning: To get married
Origin: This idiom likely originates from an ancient Celtic wedding tradition where the hands of the bride and groom were tied together to symbolize their union.
Example Sentence: They’re planning to tie the knot next spring.

Pop The Question

Synonym: Propose
Meaning: To propose marriage
Origin: The phrase “pop” likely refers to the suddenness of the action, making the proposal a surprising or significant moment.
Example Sentence: He popped the question during a romantic dinner by the beach.

Love At First Sight

Synonym: Instant attraction
Meaning: To fall in love with someone the first time you see them
Origin: The concept of “love at first sight” has been popular since ancient times, referenced in literature and folklore as an instant, deep connection.
Example Sentence: It was love at first sight when they locked eyes at the concert.

Break Someone’s Heart

Synonym: Cause emotional pain
Meaning: To cause someone deep emotional pain, typically by ending a relationship
Origin: The phrase is metaphorical, referring to the intense emotional pain that feels as though it physically breaks the heart.
Example Sentence: She broke his heart when she decided to move away.

Synonym: Perfect couple
Meaning: A relationship that is perfect in every way
Origin: This idiom likely comes from the idea that such a perfect relationship could only have been arranged by divine forces.
Example Sentence: They’re a match made in heaven; they complement each other so well.

Have A Crush On

Synonym: Infatuated with, Smitten by, In Love with
Meaning: To have strong romantic feelings or admiration for someone, typically without those feelings being expressed or acted upon. It often refers to the early stages of romantic attraction.
Origin: The phrase “have a crush on” is believed to have originated in American slang in the late 19th to early 20th century. The word “crush” in this context likely derives from the idea of being overwhelmed by feelings, similar to being physically crushed by a weight. The term became popular in the 20th century, particularly among teenagers.
Example Sentence: Ever since they met in the literature class, she’s had a crush on him, but she’s too shy to tell him how she feels.

Puppy Love

Synonym: Young love
Meaning: A temporary infatuation or romantic love felt by a young person
Origin: The term has been used since the early 19th century to describe the fleeting, intense feelings of young or inexperienced lovers.
Example Sentence: Their relationship was just puppy love, but it was sweet while it lasted.

Play Hard To Get

Synonym: Be aloof
Meaning: To deliberately act uninterested in someone as a form of romantic strategy
Origin: The phrase became popular in the 20th century as a dating strategy, where one would act distant to make themselves seem more desirable.
Example Sentence: She was playing hard to get, but eventually, she couldn’t resist his charm.

Break Up

Synonym: End a relationship
Meaning: To end a romantic relationship
Origin: The term “break up” has been used since the 17th century, referring to the dissolution of a relationship or partnership.
Example Sentence: They decided to break up after realizing they wanted different things.

Lovebirds

Synonym: Affectionate couple
Meaning: A couple who are very much in love and show it openly
Origin: The term comes from the behavior of certain species of birds that mate for life and are often seen close together, representing a deeply affectionate relationship.
Example Sentence: Those two are such lovebirds—they’re always holding hands and smiling at each other.

Absence Makes The Heart Grow Fonder

Synonym: Love grows with distance
Meaning: Being apart from someone you love makes you appreciate them more
Origin: The phrase has been in use since at least the 17th century, capturing the idea that distance can intensify feelings of love and longing.
Example Sentence: They’ve been apart for months, but absence makes the heart grow fonder.

On The Rocks

Synonym: In trouble
Meaning: A relationship that is in trouble or likely to fail
Origin: This idiom likely originates from the nautical term, where a ship on the rocks is in danger of wrecking, symbolizing a relationship in jeopardy.
Example Sentence: Their marriage has been on the rocks for a while, and they’re considering counseling.

Love Triangle

Synonym: Romantic conflict
Meaning: A situation in which three people are romantically involved with each other, often leading to conflict
Origin: The term “triangle” represents the three sides of a complex romantic relationship, where emotions and loyalties are divided.
Example Sentence: The movie revolves around a dramatic love triangle between the main characters.

Cold Feet

Synonym: Hesitation
Meaning: To experience doubt or fear about going through with a wedding or commitment
Origin: The phrase “cold feet” has been used since the late 19th century to describe sudden doubt or fear, particularly before a significant life event.
Example Sentence: He got cold feet the night before the wedding and started questioning everything.

Hit It Off

Synonym: Get along
Meaning: To have a great connection with someone from the first meeting
Origin: The idiom “hit it off” has been used since the 18th century to describe the instant rapport or chemistry between people.
Example Sentence: They hit it off right away and have been inseparable ever since.

Love Is Blind

Synonym: Overlook flaws
Meaning: Love can make people overlook the flaws in their partner
Origin: The phrase dates back to classical literature, including works by Shakespeare, suggesting that love can cloud judgment.
Example Sentence: Despite his many faults, she adores him—love is blind.

Go Steady

Synonym: Be in a relationship
Meaning: To be in a serious, exclusive romantic relationship
Origin: The phrase became popular in the mid-20th century, particularly among teenagers, to describe committed dating relationships.
Example Sentence: They’ve been going steady since high school and are now thinking about getting married.

Blind Date

Synonym: Unseen match
Meaning: A date arranged between two people who have not previously met
Origin: The term “blind date” has been used since the 1920s, referring to the idea that the participants are “blind” to each other’s identities until they meet.
Example Sentence: She was nervous about her blind date, but they ended up having a great time.

Swept Off Your Feet

Synonym: Captivated
Meaning: To be overwhelmingly impressed or charmed by someone
Origin: This idiom likely comes from the image of someone being physically lifted off their feet, representing being emotionally overwhelmed by love or admiration.
Example Sentence: She was completely swept off her feet by his kindness and charm.

Be Still My Heart

Synonym: Calm down
Meaning: An expression of excitement or strong emotion, often related to romantic feelings
Origin: The phrase has been used in literature and poetry to express the feeling of one’s heart stopping momentarily due to intense emotion.
Example Sentence: When he walked into the room, she whispered, “Be still my heart.”

Old Flame

Synonym: Former lover
Meaning: A person with whom one once had a romantic relationship
Origin: The term “flame” has been used since the early 19th century to describe a passionate love, and “old flame” refers to a past romantic partner.
Example Sentence: She ran into an old flame at the reunion, and they spent hours catching up.

Love Conquers All

Synonym: Love overcomes obstacles
Meaning: Love is powerful enough to overcome any difficulties
Origin: The phrase dates back to ancient Roman poet Virgil, who wrote “Omnia vincit amor” (Love conquers all) in his work “Eclogues.”
Example Sentence: Despite all the challenges they faced, they truly believed that love conquers all.

Love Is In The Air

Synonym: Romantic atmosphere
Meaning: There is a general feeling of love and romance in the environment
Origin: The idiom likely originates from the idea that love can be felt all around when people are in a romantic mood or during special occasions like Valentine’s Day.
Example Sentence: Walking through the park during springtime, it felt like love was in the air.

Heartbreaker

Synonym: Seducer, charmer
Meaning: A person who is very attractive but likely to cause emotional pain
Origin: The term has been used since the early 20th century to describe someone who breaks hearts due to their attractiveness or charisma.
Example Sentence: He’s known as a heartbreaker, leaving a trail of broken hearts behind him.

Go Weak At The Knees

Synonym: Overwhelmed, infatuated
Meaning: To feel a strong emotional response, often due to love or attraction
Origin: This idiom likely comes from the physical reaction of feeling unsteady or weak in the presence of someone you have strong feelings for.
Example Sentence: She went weak at the knees when he smiled at her.

Shot Through The Heart

Synonym: Deeply hurt
Meaning: To feel deeply hurt or betrayed, especially in love
Origin: The phrase is a metaphor for the intense emotional pain one feels when love goes wrong.
Example Sentence: When she found out he had been lying, it was like being shot through the heart.

Have Eyes Only For

Synonym: Exclusive attention
Meaning: To be romantically interested in only one person
Origin: This idiom suggests that someone’s attention or affection is exclusively focused on one individual.
Example Sentence: Even though many people admire her, she has eyes only for him.

Break The Ice

Synonym: Start a conversation
Meaning: To initiate conversation in a social setting, often to relieve tension
Origin: This idiom comes from the practice of breaking ice to clear a path for ships, symbolizing clearing the way for a smoother interaction.
Example Sentence: He told a joke to break the ice on their first date, and it worked perfectly.

The Apple Of My Eye

Synonym: Cherished
Meaning: Someone who is deeply loved and cherished
Origin: The phrase originates from the Bible, where the “apple” refers to the pupil of the eye, metaphorically representing something precious and valuable.
Example Sentence: Her daughter is the apple of her eye, and she would do anything for her.

Wear The Pants In The Relationship

Synonym: Dominate
Meaning: To be the dominant partner in a relationship
Origin: The phrase likely originates from a time when men were typically the ones who wore pants, symbolizing authority and control in a relationship.
Example Sentence: Everyone knows she wears the pants in their relationship—she makes all the decisions.

Crazy About Someone

Synonym: Infatuated
Meaning: To be deeply in love with someone
Origin: The phrase has been used since the early 20th century to express intense romantic feelings that border on obsession.
Example Sentence: He’s absolutely crazy about her and can’t stop talking about their future together.

Head Over Heels In Love

Synonym: Deeply in love
Meaning: To be completely and utterly in love with someone
Origin: The phrase originally referred to someone being upside down, and it evolved to describe the feeling of being overwhelmed by love.
Example Sentence: They’ve only been dating for a few weeks, but they’re already head over heels in love.

In The Doghouse

Synonym: In trouble
Meaning: To be in trouble with one’s romantic partner
Origin: The phrase comes from the idea of a dog being sent to its kennel as a punishment, symbolizing someone being in disgrace.
Example Sentence: He’s in the doghouse for forgetting their anniversary again.

Heart To Heart

Synonym: Honest conversation
Meaning: A sincere and honest conversation, typically about personal feelings
Origin: The phrase “heart-to-heart” has been used since the 19th century to describe a conversation where people speak openly from the heart.
Example Sentence: They had a heart to heart about their future together and decided to take things to the next level.

Love Nest

Synonym: Romantic retreat
Meaning: A cozy, private place where a couple can be alone together
Origin: The phrase has been used since the early 20th century to describe a romantic hideaway or home for a couple.
Example Sentence: They bought a little cabin in the woods as their love nest.

Cold Shoulder

Synonym: Ignore
Meaning: To deliberately ignore or show indifference to someone
Origin: The idiom likely originates from the custom of serving a cold shoulder of meat to an unwelcome guest, symbolizing rejection or disinterest.
Example Sentence: After their argument, she gave him the cold shoulder for days.

Love At First Sight

Synonym: Instant attraction
Meaning: To fall in love with someone the first time you see them
Origin: The concept of “love at first sight” has been popular since ancient times, referenced in literature and folklore as an instant, deep connection.
Example Sentence: It was love at first sight when they locked eyes at the concert.

Love You And Leave You

Synonym: Abandon
Meaning: To leave someone after a short romantic relationship
Origin: The phrase suggests a person who enjoys a brief romance and then moves on, leaving the other person behind.
Example Sentence: He has a reputation for being the type to love you and leave you, so be careful.

Get Hitched

Synonym: Get married
Meaning: To get married
Origin: The term “hitched” comes from the idea of tying two things together, such as a horse to a wagon, symbolizing the union of marriage.
Example Sentence: They’re planning to get hitched in a small ceremony next summer.

In A Heartbeat

Synonym: Instantly
Meaning: To do something immediately or without hesitation
Origin: The phrase “in a heartbeat” suggests the very short time it takes for a heartbeat, emphasizing quickness and certainty.
Example Sentence: I’d help you move in a heartbeat—just let me know when.

Mend A Broken Heart

Synonym: Heal emotional wounds
Meaning: To recover emotionally after experiencing heartache, typically due to the end of a romantic relationship.
Origin: The phrase likely comes from the idea of a heart being “broken” by emotional pain, particularly in the context of lost love. The metaphorical “mending” implies the process of emotional healing, which has been referenced in literature and culture for centuries.
Example Sentence: After their breakup, it took her a long time to mend her broken heart, but eventually, she found peace and happiness again.

Walk Down The Aisle

Synonym: Get married
Meaning: To get married, specifically during the wedding ceremony
Origin: The phrase refers to the traditional act of the bride walking down the aisle in a church to meet the groom and exchange vows.
Example Sentence: They’re so in love, I can’t wait to see them walk down the aisle.

Two Peas In A Pod

Synonym: Alike
Meaning: Two people who are very similar and get along very well
Origin: The phrase comes from the visual similarity of two peas inside a pod, symbolizing closeness and similarity.
Example Sentence: They’re like two peas in a pod, always doing everything together.

Love Me Tender

Synonym: Affectionate
Meaning: To love someone gently and kindly
Origin: This phrase was popularized by the Elvis Presley song “Love Me Tender,” but the idea of tender love has been expressed in literature and song for centuries.
Example Sentence: He whispered, “Love me tender,” as they danced slowly.

Better Half

Synonym: Spouse, partner
Meaning: Refers to one’s spouse or partner, often implying that they are the superior or more important part of the relationship
Origin: This idiom dates back to ancient Roman times, where it was used to describe a close friend or partner, with the idea that a spouse completes or enhances the other person.
Example Sentence: He couldn’t make it to the party, but his better half came in his place.

Love-Hate Relationship

Synonym: Mixed feelings
Meaning: A relationship characterized by strong feelings of both love and dislike
Origin: The phrase has been used since the 1970s to describe the complex emotions in a relationship where people experience both affection and frustration.
Example Sentence: They have a love-hate relationship—one minute they’re arguing, the next they’re inseparable.

Wear Your Heart On Your Sleeve

Synonym: Openly emotional
Meaning: To openly show your emotions, especially romantic feelings
Origin: The phrase comes from medieval jousts, where knights would wear a token, like a lady’s scarf, on their sleeve to show whom they were devoted to.
Example Sentence: He always wears his heart on his sleeve, so everyone knows how he feels.

To Be Smitten

Synonym: Infatuated, in love
Meaning: To be deeply in love or infatuated with someone
Origin: The word “smitten” comes from the Old English “smitan,” meaning “to strike.” It evolved to mean being struck by intense love or affection.
Example Sentence: She’s completely smitten with her new boyfriend; she can’t stop talking about him.

Take The Plunge

Synonym: Commit, decide
Meaning: To make a significant decision, often referring to getting married
Origin: The phrase comes from the idea of diving into water, symbolizing making a bold or risky decision, such as marriage.
Example Sentence: After dating for five years, they finally decided to take the plunge and get married.

Settle Down

Synonym: Start a family, commit
Meaning: To begin living a quieter life with a long-term partner, often involving marriage and starting a family
Origin: The phrase has been used since the 17th century to describe the process of establishing a stable, committed life, typically in a domestic setting.
Example Sentence: After years of traveling and adventures, he’s ready to settle down and start a family.

Crazy In Love

Synonym: Madly in love
Meaning: To be extremely or irrationally in love with someone
Origin: This phrase has been popularized in modern culture, particularly by the 2003 song “Crazy in Love” by Beyoncé, but the concept of being “crazy in love” has been around for centuries.
Example Sentence: They’re so crazy in love that they can’t stand to be apart for even a day.