Valentine's Day is a time to celebrate love, romance, and the connections that bind us together. Whether you're penning a heartfelt card, whispering sweet nothings, or simply marvelling at the quirks of the English language, idioms and expressions offer a charming way to convey feelings. Here are some popular phrases related to love and relationships, along with their meanings and origins.
1. Head Over Heels
To be “head over heels” in love means to be utterly smitten or deeply infatuated with someone. The phrase conjures an image of someone so overwhelmed by love that they’re literally flipping over themselves. It’s believed to have originated in the 14th century, though its modern form was popularised in the 19th century.
2. Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve
If you wear your heart on your sleeve, you openly show your emotions, particularly your romantic feelings. This idiom traces back to the Middle Ages when knights would wear a token, often from a lady, on their sleeves as a sign of devotion.
3. Lovebirds
The term “lovebirds” refers to couples who are very affectionate and inseparable. It’s inspired by the small, brightly coloured parrots known as lovebirds, which are known for forming strong pair bonds.
4. Tie the Knot
To “tie the knot” means to get married. This expression originates from an ancient Celtic tradition where couples would bind their hands together with a ribbon or cord during the wedding ceremony, symbolising their union.
5. The Apple of My Eye
Calling someone the “apple of your eye” means they are deeply cherished. The phrase dates back to the Bible and originally referred to the pupil of the eye, something precious and essential to sight.
6. Pop the Question
To “pop the question” means to propose marriage. The phrase evokes the suddenness and excitement of the moment, much like a cork popping from a bottle of champagne.
7. Broken-Hearted
Feeling “broken-hearted” refers to the emotional pain of losing someone you love or experiencing unrequited love. This poetic expression has been used for centuries to describe profound grief.
8. Match Made in Heaven
A “match made in heaven” describes a couple who seem perfectly suited to one another. The phrase suggests divine intervention in bringing two people together.
9. Playing Hard to Get
“Playing hard to get” describes someone who deliberately acts aloof or uninterested to make themselves more desirable. This tactic in courtship has been debated for ages, but it remains a staple in the language of romance.
10. Love at First Sight
This expression captures the idea of falling in love immediately upon meeting someone for the first time. Though it sounds like the stuff of fairy tales, it’s a notion that has endured in literature and culture for centuries.
So, whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, writing a love letter, or just enjoying the company of your significant other, let these idioms inspire you to express your feelings in creative and meaningful ways. Happy Valentine's Day!
Test your knowledge on the meaning of these expressions with the quiz below!
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