English Love Idioms Everybody Should Know

14 Feb 2024

Whether you’re writing a love poem or declaring your love to your soul mate, you should have a few idioms in your work bank to truly impress your sweetheart. Being able to use English expressions enhances your language skills and helps you sound like a native.

Idioms for love

Fall in love

Let’s start with the most important of all: to fall in love. In several languages, including English, we say we are “falling” in love. The phrase most likely comes from the unpredictable and involuntary nature of romantic feelings. The term captures the idea that love is an emotional plunge that catches us off guard, it’s challenging to control or predict, just like a fall, which emphasizes its spontaneity or even unpredictability in human relationships.

I think I’m falling in love with her.

Fall head over heels in love

This is a variation of the previous idiom about falling in love but with more exaggeration. The image of falling so hard and so fast that you flip all the way over shows the strength and suddenness of the feeling. It also adds a comedic effect.

He hasn’t stopped talking about her, he’s fallen head over heels in love.

Love at first sight

Do you believe in love at first sight? This is where you fall in love with someone the moment you first meet.

I knew she was going to be my wife the second I laid eyes on her. It was love at first sight.

This expression has been made famous in recent years thanks to the popular TV show of the same name. This idiom relates to the idea that we love somebody for their personality, as opposed to their physical appearance. In effect, true love cannot judge a person by their looks, as love cannot see, thus, “love is blind.”

He’s not my usual type, but maybe love really is blind.

Idioms on love and relationships

Puppy love

This expression was made famous by a hit song in the 1960s and has been covered by many artists since. Puppy love refers to the love between teenagers or a first love, which can be more of an infatuation. This type of relationship, with intense emotion and desire, lacks the maturity and commitment of an adult relationship and is often short-lived.

My sister and her boyfriend have a bad case of puppy love.

To be smitten

This saying derives from a Middle English word, “smitten,” which means to strike or hit. The phrase “to be smitten” is often used to describe the state of being deeply infatuated or captivated by someone or something. It conveys a sense of being strongly attracted or enamored as if you have been “hit” or “taken aback” by your feelings.

He thinks the world of her, he’s totally smitten.

Love birds

The phrase “love birds” originates from the bonding behavior of certain bird species. These birds, such as some types of parrots and doves, often display affectionate behaviors like preening each other, sitting closely together, and singing in unison. This idiom is a metaphorical way to describe couples who show similar displays of closeness, affection, and harmony in their relationship. It’s a charming way to express the idea of two people being deeply connected and devoted to each other, much like the bond seen in these avian counterparts.

Look at those love birds, they can’t keep away from each other!

Idioms about love and dating

Set people up

You may know the idiom “set somebody up” to mean “falsely incriminate,” but that isn’t the only meaning. To set two people up can refer to introducing two individuals with the intention of them forming a couple. In order to set people up, you could organize a blind date…

I think she’d get on really well with my brother. I’m going to set them up.

A blind date is when you can’t see who you’re dating in advance or even know who they are. This romantic meeting with a total stranger is often arranged by mutual friends who think both people would be suited to one another and, therefore, want them to be together.

We met on a blind date and have been together ever since.

Be an item

When two people are involved in a romantic relationship, we say they are “an item.” The term “item” in its original sense means one individual object, but this widespread figurative usage denotes a pair of people who are together and seen as one. It is now a very common way to describe two people who are dating or in a relationship.

Luke and Samantha are an item now, although they haven’t told everyone yet.

Hold a flame for someone

This idiom talks about the feeling of love or affection towards someone who you are not romantically involved with. Similarly, the feelings may not be reciprocated. If you “hold a flame” for someone, you don’t usually act on your feelings.

She won’t admit it, but I think she holds a flame for Paul.

Romantic idioms about marriage

The honeymoon period

The term “honeymoon period” refers to the initial period of a marriage where the newlyweds embark on a romantic vacation together, known as the honeymoon. Nowadays, it is not only used for married couples but all romantic relationships. This early stage of a relationship is characterized by intense feelings of passion and excitement. During this phase, couples experience a heightened sense of closeness and affection as they get to know each other better and explore their connection. These feelings may diminish or at least stabilize as the relationship progresses.

They’ve seen each other every day for a month, but we’ll see if it lasts after the honeymoon period.

Pop the question

Popping the question refers to someone getting down on one knee and asking for their partner’s hand in marriage. The word “pop” in this context suggests a sudden or unexpected action, as many marriage proposals are a surprise.

They’re going to Paris, and he’s going to pop the question under the Eiffel Tower.

Tie the knot

Once someone has popped the question, the next step is to tie the knot. This means to get married. Tying a knot gives an image of creating a strong and secure bond. The expression probably stems from Celtic Handfasting ceremonies. This traditional wedding ritual entails binding the couple’s hands together with cords or ribbons to prove their commitment to one another.

I can’t believe they’re tying the knot. I thought they had only just met.

Love idioms for someone special

Here are some fun and cute ways to refer to your partner:

My one true love

While this phrase may not be an idiom in the true sense, as it is actually quite literal, it is still used as a common way to describe someone who is considered to be the most significant romantic partner in your life. It may be used jokingly to talk about a strong bond with someone or genuinely to talk about your romantic partner, based on the idea that we can only have one real soulmate. Another very similar phrase is “my one and only.”

Sabrina, you’re everything I need and more, you’re my one true love.

The love of my life

The love of my life is another nice way to describe the person with whom you have chosen to spend your life. Just like “one true love,” it portrays the idea that we have one relationship in our lives that is stronger than all others.

I’ve never known a feeling like this, I think she’s the love of my life.

The one that got away

This idiom, when used in the context of relationships, describes someone with whom a romantic connection could have been made but wasn’t, for whatever reason. It can also be used for someone with whom you did have a romantic relationship but one that didn’t last long. You may still have feelings for them or wonder what might’ve been had the circumstances been different.

If I hadn’t moved away, who knows what could’ve happened? For me, he’s the one that got away.

My heart and soul

This metaphorical expression is another creative way to talk about your spouse or partner. It’s a figurative way of expressing strong feelings, attachment, and commitment towards another person. If they are “your heart and soul,” it implies that they are a part of you and, therefore, will be with you forever.

I can’t imagine life without him, he’s my heart and soul.

Other half

Your other half is the person that makes up half of your being, figuratively speaking. It is a metaphor that implies that someone is a vital part of your life because they complete you. A more complementary variation of this expression is “my better half,” as it shows that not only does your partner complete you, but they are the superior part of you. It can be used humorously or genuinely.