100 Love Idioms That’ll Make Your Heart Skip a Beat
Love makes the world go round, and English has some pretty amazing ways to talk about it! Whether you’re head over heels for someone or just want to spice up your romantic vocabulary, these 100 idioms for love will help you express those butterfly feelings like a pro. From sweet puppy love to lifelong soulmate connections, we’ve got every shade of romance covered.
Research Shows Love Idioms Pack Emotional Punch
According to Cambridge University research, idioms make up roughly 40% of everyday English conversations, with love being one of the most idiom-rich topics. Oxford University Press studies reveal that understanding love idioms significantly enhances overall language proficiency. Here’s what the data tells us:
| Love Idiom Category | Usage Frequency | Emotional Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Falling in Love | 35% | Very High |
| Being in Love | 28% | High |
| Marriage/Commitment | 22% | High |
| Heartbreak | 15% | Very High |
šÆ Your Love Idioms Learning Tracker
š Learning Milestones:
- š„ Bronze: 25 idioms
- š„ Silver: 50 idioms
- š„ Gold: 75 idioms
- š Diamond: 100 idioms
Pro Tip: Love idioms aren’t just for romance! Many work perfectly for describing your passion for hobbies, food, or anything else you adore.
1. Head Over Heels
When you’re head over heels, you’re completely and totally in love. It’s like your whole world got flipped upside down in the best way possible. Originally, people said “heels over head,” but it got flipped during the 1700s.
“Ever since they met at that coffee shop, Jake’s been head over heels for Maria.”
This idiom captures that dizzy, can’t-think-straight feeling when love hits you like a ton of bricks.
2. Love at First Sight
Some folks believe in love at first sight – that magical moment when you see someone and just know. The ancient Greeks started this whole idea with their “love’s arrows” concept.
“When Sarah walked into the bookstore, it was love at first sight for both of them.”
Sure, it might just be great hair or a killer smile, but who’s to say it’s not the real deal?
3. Match Made in Heaven
A match made in heaven describes two people who fit together like puzzle pieces. They’re so perfectly suited, it’s like the universe planned their meeting.
“Tom and Lisa finish each other’s sentences – they’re definitely a match made in heaven.”
These couples make everyone else wonder if they’re doing relationships wrong!
4. Tie the Knot
Ready to tie the knot? That’s the fun way to say “get married”. It’s like you’re literally binding your lives together with an unbreakable bond.
“After five years of dating, they’re finally going to tie the knot this spring.”
Marriage really is the original no-refund policy, as one source cheekily notes.
5. Apple of My Eye
When someone’s the apple of your eye, they’re absolutely adored. This usually describes how parents feel about their kids, but it works for romantic love too.
“Ever since the baby was born, she’s been the apple of her daddy’s eye.”
Fun fact: This phrase is super old and appears in the Bible!
6. Butterflies in My Stomach
Those butterflies in your stomach aren’t actual insects – they’re that fluttery, nervous-excited feeling you get around your crush. Your tummy literally feels like it’s hosting a butterfly convention.
“Even after 20 years of marriage, she still gets butterflies when he walks into the room.”
It’s amazing how love can make grown adults feel like giddy teenagers again.
7. Swept Off My Feet
Being swept off your feet means someone completely overwhelmed you with their charm. It’s like a romantic tornado picked you up and carried you away.
“When he showed up with roses and concert tickets, he totally swept her off her feet.”
This usually happens early in relationships when someone’s really trying to impress.
8. Puppy Love
Puppy love is that sweet, innocent romance between young people. It might not last forever, but it’s totally genuine while it’s happening.
“They’ve been together since freshman year – it started as puppy love but grew into something real.”
Don’t dismiss puppy love! Some of the strongest marriages started with teenage crushes.
9. Love is Blind
Love is blind means you don’t see your partner’s flaws when you’re smitten. Your rose-colored glasses are working overtime!
“Everyone warned her about his messy habits, but love is blind – she only saw his sweet side.”
Shakespeare popularized this phrase in “The Merchant of Venice,” and it’s been spot-on ever since.
10. Soulmate
Your soulmate is that person who gets you completely. They understand your weird quirks and love you anyway – or maybe because of them.
“Finding your soulmate isn’t about perfection – it’s about finding someone whose imperfections you adore.”
Some people spend their whole lives searching, while others stumble into their soulmate at the grocery store.
11. Lovebirds
Lovebirds are couples who can’t keep their hands off each other. They’re always holding hands, whispering sweet nothings, and making everyone else feel single.
“Look at those lovebirds over there – they haven’t stopped gazing into each other’s eyes all night.”
Named after actual lovebird parrots who are super affectionate with their mates.
12. Pop the Question
When someone’s ready to pop the question, they’re about to propose marriage. It’s the high-stakes moment where someone gambles their future on four little words.
“He’s been carrying that ring around for weeks, waiting for the perfect moment to pop the question.”
No pressure, right? Just asking someone to spend forever with you!
13. Better Half
Your better half is your spouse or long-term partner. It’s a sweet way to say they make you a more complete person.
“I need to check with my better half before we make weekend plans.”
This implies that together, you two make one awesome whole person.
14. Crazy in Love
Being crazy in love means you’re so smitten you don’t feel like yourself. Love has temporarily scrambled your brain in the best way.
“She’s been acting so differently since she met him – she’s absolutely crazy in love.”
BeyoncƩ knew what she was talking about with this one!
15. Have a Crush
Having a crush on someone means you’re attracted to them but might not have told them yet. It’s that secret admiration that makes you act all weird around them.
“I think Jake has a crush on the new girl in accounting – he gets tongue-tied every time she walks by.”
Crushes can be torture, but they’re also kind of exciting!
16. Lovey-Dovey
Lovey-dovey couples are super affectionate in public. They’re all about the PDA – public displays of affection that make others roll their eyes.
“They were being so lovey-dovey at dinner, feeding each other dessert and giggling.”
Some find it sweet, others find it nauseating. You decide!
17. Steal Someone’s Heart
To steal someone’s heart means you made them fall in love with you. You’re basically a romantic thief who nabbed their affections.
“His kindness and sense of humor completely stole her heart.”
The best kind of theft – one where everyone wins!
18. Fall for Someone
When you fall for someone, you’re tumbling into love. It’s not always graceful, but it sure is exciting.
“I never expected to fall for my best friend, but here we are.”
Sometimes love sneaks up on you when you least expect it.
19. Lovestruck
Being lovestruck means love has hit you like lightning. You’re completely overwhelmed by romantic feelings.
“The lovestruck teenager couldn’t focus on homework – all he could think about was Saturday’s date.”
It’s like being struck by Cupid’s arrow, but in a good way!
20. Break Someone’s Heart
To break someone’s heart means causing them serious emotional pain in love. It’s one of the worst feelings in the world.
“The breakup really broke her heart, but she’s slowly healing.”
Hearts are surprisingly resilient – they can break and mend stronger than before.
21. Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve
Wearing your heart on your sleeve means showing your emotions openly. You’re not hiding how you feel about anyone.
“Everyone knows how much he loves her because he wears his heart on his sleeve.”
Some people are naturally more emotionally expressive than others.
22. Love of My Life
The love of your life is that one special person who means everything to you. They’re your number one, your ride-or-die, your everything.
“After 40 years together, Jim still calls Linda the love of his life.”
Not everyone believes in “the one,” but this phrase suggests some people really do find their perfect match.
23. Old Flame
An old flame is someone you used to date or have feelings for. They’re part of your romantic history but not your present.
“Running into an old flame at the reunion brought back a lot of memories.”
Old flames can spark nostalgia, but that doesn’t mean you should relight them!
24. Carry a Torch
Carrying a torch for someone means you still have feelings for them even though the relationship is over. You’re holding onto hope or memories.
“He’s been carrying a torch for his college girlfriend for years.”
Sometimes it’s better to let go and move forward, but the heart wants what it wants.
25. The One That Got Away
The one that got away is someone you had feelings for but couldn’t be with. They represent what might have been.
“She always wondered about her high school sweetheart – he was the one that got away.”
Everyone seems to have one of these stories tucked away somewhere.
26. Blind Date
A blind date is going out with someone you’ve never met before. It’s like romantic roulette – you never know what you’ll get.
“My friend set me up on a blind date with her cousin, and we hit it off immediately.”
Blind dates can be awkward disasters or fairy tale beginnings. Roll the dice!
27. Whisper Sweet Nothings
Whispering sweet nothings means saying romantic, flirty things to someone. These are those mushy words that sound silly to everyone else but magical to your partner.
“He loves to whisper sweet nothings in her ear during slow dances.”
What sounds like nonsense to outsiders can be pure poetry to lovers.
28. You Take My Breath Away
When someone takes your breath away, they amaze or overwhelm you with their beauty or actions. They literally leave you speechless.
“When she walked down the aisle, she took his breath away.”
This can happen on first meetings or even after years together during special moments.
29. Heart of Gold
Having a heart of gold means being genuinely kind and generous. It’s about having a beautiful soul, not just a pretty face.
“He might not be the most handsome guy, but he has a heart of gold.”
Sometimes the best partners are the ones with the biggest hearts.
30. From the Bottom of My Heart
From the bottom of my heart means genuinely and completely. When you say this, you’re being totally honest about your feelings.
“I love you from the bottom of my heart – every single piece of it.”
This phrase adds extra weight and sincerity to whatever you’re saying.
31. Follow Your Heart
Following your heart means making decisions based on your feelings rather than logic. Sometimes love requires a leap of faith.
“The job offer was tempting, but she decided to follow her heart and stay with him.”
Head versus heart decisions are some of the toughest we face.
32. In a Heartbeat
In a heartbeat means immediately or without hesitation. When it comes to love, some decisions are instant.
“Would I marry him? In a heartbeat – he’s everything I’ve ever wanted.”
True love often comes with this kind of certainty and speed.
33. Having a Heart-to-Heart
A heart-to-heart is a deep, honest conversation. These talks can make or break relationships.
“After their heart-to-heart about the future, they both felt more connected.”
Good relationships need regular heart-to-hearts to stay strong.
34. Love Conquers All
Love conquers all suggests that love can overcome any obstacle. It’s the ultimate optimistic view of romance.
“Despite their families’ disapproval, their love conquered all and they eloped.”
While romantic, real love also needs practical things like communication and compromise.
35. Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder
Absence makes the heart grow fonder means separation can strengthen feelings. Distance doesn’t always kill love – sometimes it intensifies it.
“Their long-distance relationship proved that absence really does make the heart grow fonder.”
The flip side is “familiarity breeds contempt” – too much togetherness can cause problems too.
36. Labor of Love
A labor of love is hard work you do because you care deeply about it. Love motivates us to do difficult things.
“Restoring that old house was a real labor of love for the couple.”
The best projects often come from the heart, not the wallet.
37. Love Me, Love My Dog
Love me, love my dog means accepting everything about someone, including their quirks. True love is a package deal.
“She told her boyfriend, ‘Love me, love my dog’ when he complained about her messy art supplies.”
Real love means embracing your partner’s whole life, not just the pretty parts.
38. Opposites Attract
Opposites attract suggests that different personalities can create strong relationships. Sometimes what you lack, your partner provides.
“She’s super organized and he’s totally spontaneous, but opposites attract and they balance each other out.”
Differences can be complementary rather than problematic.
39. Ask Someone Out
Asking someone out means inviting them on a date. It’s the first step in many romantic journeys.
“He finally worked up the courage to ask her out after months of workplace flirting.”
This simple phrase represents one of life’s scariest but most rewarding risks.
40. Be an Item
Being an item means you’re officially a couple. Everyone knows you’re together.
“Ever since the office party, Tom and Sarah have been an item.”
It’s that transition from “talking” to “dating” to “together.”
41. Go Steady
Going steady is old-school talk for dating exclusively. It’s like being boyfriend and girlfriend officially.
“Back in the ’50s, going steady was a big deal – it meant you were serious about each other.”
This phrase has a sweet, innocent feel that modern dating sometimes lacks.
42. Get Hitched
Getting hitched is a casual way to say getting married. It sounds way more fun than “matrimony.”
“They’re getting hitched in Vegas next month – Elvis will perform the ceremony!”
Sometimes the informal phrases capture the joy better than the formal ones.
43. Double Date
Double dating means two couples going out together. It can take the pressure off and make things more fun.
“We’re going on a double date with my sister and her boyfriend to that new restaurant.”
Group dates can be less intimidating for new couples.
44. Drive Someone Crazy
Driving someone crazy can mean making them annoyed OR making them fall madly in love. Context is everything!
“The way she laughs at his jokes drives him crazy – he’s completely smitten.”
Love and frustration sometimes feel surprisingly similar.
45. Have the Hots For
Having the hots for someone means being very physically attracted to them. It’s about desire more than deep emotional connection.
“She definitely has the hots for the new personal trainer at the gym.”
This is more about chemistry than compatibility.
46. Joined at the Hip
Being joined at the hip means two people are inseparable. They do everything together.
“Those two are joined at the hip – you never see one without the other.”
While sweet, healthy relationships also need some individual space.
47. Leave at the Altar
Leaving someone at the altar means deciding not to marry at the very last minute. It’s every bride and groom’s worst nightmare.
“Can you believe he left her at the altar? The wedding was already paid for!”
This is the ultimate relationship betrayal – backing out when everyone’s watching.
48. Love Rat
A love rat is someone who cheats on their partner. They’re not trustworthy in relationships.
“Everyone warned her he was a love rat, but she thought she could change him.”
Some people have patterns of unfaithfulness that are hard to break.
49. On Cloud Nine
Being on cloud nine means feeling extremely happy. Love can literally lift you up.
“Ever since he proposed, she’s been on cloud nine.”
This phrase captures that floating-on-air feeling that comes with great news.
50. On the Mend
A relationship on the mend is recovering from problems. Things are getting better after a rough patch.
“After couples therapy, their marriage is finally on the mend.”
Relationships can heal and grow stronger after working through difficulties.
51. On the Rocks
A relationship on the rocks is in serious trouble. It might not survive much longer.
“Their marriage has been on the rocks since he lost his job and started drinking.”
Like a ship hitting rocks, relationships can get damaged and sink.
52. Through Thick and Thin
Through thick and thin means staying together during good times and bad. It’s about loyalty and commitment.
“They’ve been through thick and thin together – job losses, illness, family drama – and they’re still going strong.”
This is what “for better or worse” really means in practice.
53. Walk Out On Someone
Walking out on someone means ending the relationship suddenly. You’re literally leaving them behind.
“After 15 years of marriage, she walked out on him when she discovered his gambling debts.”
Sometimes people reach their breaking point and just can’t take anymore.
54. Fancy Someone
Fancying someone (British English) means finding them attractive. It’s a polite way to say you like them.
“I think she fancies you – she keeps finding excuses to talk to you.”
This has a charming, old-fashioned feel that’s still used today.
55. Catch Someone’s Eye
Catching someone’s eye means being attractive or noticeable to them. Something about you grabbed their attention.
“Her bright red dress caught his eye from across the crowded room.”
First impressions often start with catching someone’s eye.
56. Have a Soft Spot For
Having a soft spot for someone means having a weakness or special fondness for them. They can easily influence you.
“He has a soft spot for anyone who loves dogs as much as he does.”
We all have certain types of people who just melt our hearts.
57. Go Out With Someone
Going out with someone means dating them. It’s the British way to say you’re in a relationship.
“How long have you been going out with Sarah?”
Simple and straightforward – no confusion about what this means.
58. Have Eyes Only For
Having eyes only for someone means being attracted to just that one person. Everyone else becomes invisible.
“Ever since he met Maria, he has eyes only for her.”
This kind of focused attention can be flattering or overwhelming, depending on the situation.
59. Be Smitten
Being smitten means being completely charmed or in love. You’re totally under their spell.
“From the moment they met at the bookstore, he was absolutely smitten.”
This word has an old-fashioned charm that perfectly captures new love.
60. Love Nest
A love nest is where two lovers live together. It’s their private romantic hideaway.
“They turned the little apartment above the bakery into their own cozy love nest.”
Every couple needs a space that’s just theirs.
61. Cupboard Love
Cupboard love means loving someone because they give you food or other benefits. It’s not genuine affection.
“I think my cat’s affection is just cupboard love – she only purrs when I’m opening a can.”
This applies to pets and sometimes people who are only nice when they want something.
62. Can’t Stand the Sight Of
Can’t stand the sight of someone means really disliking them. Love has definitely died.
“After the messy divorce, she can’t stand the sight of her ex-husband.”
This is the opposite of love at first sight – it’s hate at every sight.
63. Stormy Relationship
A stormy relationship has lots of arguments and drama. It’s turbulent and unpredictable.
“Their stormy relationship kept everyone on edge – you never knew if they’d be fighting or making up.”
Some couples thrive on drama, but it’s exhausting for everyone around them.
64. Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder means everyone has different ideas about what’s attractive. Your perfect person might not be someone else’s type.
“She doesn’t understand why he’s attracted to her, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”
This is why there’s someone for everyone – we all see beauty differently.
65. Let Your Heart Rule Your Head
Letting your heart rule your head means making emotional decisions instead of logical ones. Sometimes love requires ignoring practical concerns.
“Moving across the country for love wasn’t practical, but she let her heart rule her head.”
The eternal battle between what makes sense and what feels right.
66. Marry in Haste, Repent at Leisure
Marry in haste, repent at leisure warns against rushing into marriage. Quick decisions can lead to long regrets.
“They got married after knowing each other for only three months – marry in haste, repent at leisure.”
Taking time to really know someone before committing is usually wise advice.
67. Make Love, Not War
Make love, not war suggests choosing harmony over conflict. It started as a peace slogan but applies to relationships too.
“Instead of fighting about money again, let’s make love, not war and figure this out together.”
Sometimes the best way to solve problems is to remember why you’re together.
68. Love Will Find a Way
Love will find a way means genuine love can overcome obstacles. Where there’s a will (and love), there’s a way.
“Despite living on different continents, their love found a way and they made it work.”
Love can be surprisingly resourceful when it needs to be.
69. Struck by Cupid’s Arrow
Being struck by Cupid’s arrow means falling suddenly in love. The Roman god of love got you with his magic arrow.
“The moment she walked into the coffee shop, he was struck by Cupid’s arrow.”
Ancient mythology still perfectly describes modern love experiences.
70. Set One’s Heart On
Setting your heart on someone means strongly desiring them. You’ve made up your mind about what you want.
“Ever since the company picnic, he’s set his heart on asking out the new marketing director.”
When you set your heart on something, you’re pretty determined to get it.
71. Open One’s Heart
Opening your heart means sharing your deepest feelings. You’re being completely vulnerable and honest.
“After years of friendship, she finally opened her heart and told him how she really felt.”
This takes courage because opening your heart means risking getting it broken.
72. Win Someone’s Heart
Winning someone’s heart means gaining their love and affection. You’ve successfully wooed them.
“He won her heart with his thoughtfulness and terrible dad jokes.”
Hearts aren’t prizes to be won, but this phrase captures the effort that goes into courtship.
73. Love Fool
A love fool is someone who acts silly because they’re in love. Love has temporarily scrambled their brain.
“He’s such a love fool around her – he can barely string two sentences together.”
Love can make even the smartest people act like complete goofballs.
74. Heart Throb
A heart throb is someone who’s very attractive and makes hearts race. They’re the object of many people’s crushes.
“The new actor is Hollywood’s latest heart throb – teenage girls are going crazy for him.”
Every generation has their heart throbs who make fans swoon.
75. Love Life
Your love life refers to all your romantic relationships and experiences. It’s your romantic history and current situation.
“How’s your love life these days? Are you seeing anyone special?”
Some people are open books about their love life, others keep it private.
76. Melt One’s Heart
Melting someone’s heart means causing strong feelings of affection. You’ve softened their emotions.
“The way he takes care of his elderly mother just melts my heart.”
Kindness and compassion are major heart-melters for most people.
77. Steal a Kiss
Stealing a kiss means kissing someone quickly and unexpectedly. It’s a spontaneous romantic moment.
“Under the mistletoe, he stole a quick kiss before she could protest.”
The best stolen kisses are welcomed surprises, not unwanted advances.
78. True Love
True love is genuine, lasting romantic love. It’s the real deal, not just infatuation or convenience.
“After 50 years together, they’ve proven that true love really does exist.”
True love is what everyone hopes to find but not everyone experiences.
79. Perfect Match
A perfect match describes highly compatible romantic partners. They complement each other beautifully.
“Their shared love of hiking and terrible puns makes them a perfect match.”
Perfect matches aren’t about being identical – they’re about fitting together well.
80. Heart’s Desire
Your heart’s desire is what you truly want romantically. It’s your deepest romantic wish.
“After years of dating the wrong people, she finally found her heart’s desire.”
Sometimes we have to kiss a lot of frogs before finding our prince or princess.
81. Love Bug
The love bug is that feeling when love “bites” you. You’ve been infected with romantic feelings.
“The love bug bit them both hard during their first dance.”
Love can feel like catching something contagious – in the best possible way.
82. Heart Strings
Heart strings represent your deepest feelings of love. When someone tugs them, they’re affecting you emotionally.
“His story about losing his dog really tugged at her heart strings.”
We all have emotional triggers that can instantly move us to tears or action.
83. Love Sick
Being love sick means missing someone you love intensely. You’re literally sick with longing.
“Ever since she moved away for college, he’s been completely love sick.”
Long-distance relationships can definitely make people feel physically ill from missing each other.
84. Dancing on Air
Dancing on air means being extremely happy in love. You’re so joyful you feel weightless.
“After their first kiss, she spent the whole week dancing on air.”
New love can make you feel like you’re floating above the ground.
85. Give One’s Heart Away
Giving your heart away means falling completely in love. You’ve handed over your emotional well-being to someone else.
“She gave her heart away to him completely, trusting him with everything.”
This requires tremendous trust and vulnerability.
86. Love Story
A love story is the journey of a romantic relationship. Every couple has their unique tale.
“Their love story began when they got stuck in an elevator together for three hours.”
The best love stories often start with unexpected meetings or circumstances.
87. Tender Loving Care (TLC)
Tender loving care means gentle, loving attention. It’s about nurturing someone with kindness.
“After his surgery, she gave him all the tender loving care he needed to recover.”
TLC isn’t just for relationships – it’s how we show love through actions.
88. Love Letter
A love letter is a written expression of romantic feelings. It’s a tangible piece of someone’s heart.
“He wrote her love letters every day while he was deployed overseas.”
In our digital age, handwritten love letters have become even more special and rare.
89. Romantic at Heart
Being romantic at heart means naturally inclined toward romance. You’re a hopeless romantic who believes in fairy tales.
“Despite his tough exterior, he’s always been romantic at heart.”
Some people try to hide their romantic side, but it usually shows through eventually.
90. Love Affair
A love affair can mean any romantic relationship, not necessarily a secret one. It’s about the passionate connection between two people.
“Their love affair with Paris began on their honeymoon and never ended.”
You can have love affairs with places, hobbies, or ideas too.
91. Heartbeat Away
Being a heartbeat away means very close emotionally. You’re almost there, almost together.
“True happiness felt like it was just a heartbeat away when she met him.”
This phrase captures that feeling when something wonderful is almost within reach.
92. Love Triangle
A love triangle involves three people in a complicated romantic situation. Someone’s caught between two potential partners.
“The love triangle between the three friends caused a lot of drama and hurt feelings.”
Love triangles make for great movie plots but terrible real-life situations.
93. Love Tap
A love tap is a gentle, affectionate touch. It’s a playful way to show affection.
“She gave him a love tap on the shoulder when he made that terrible pun.”
Sometimes the smallest gestures carry the most meaning in relationships.
94. You Hung the Moon
You hung the moon means you think someone is absolutely wonderful. They’re perfect in your eyes.
“The way she looks at him, you’d think he hung the moon and stars.”
This is what unconditional love and admiration look like.
95. I Love You to Death
I love you to death means loving someone more than life itself. It’s the ultimate expression of devotion.
“She told him, ‘I love you to death and would do anything for you.'”
This phrase emphasizes the depth and intensity of true love.
96. Eat Your Heart Out
Eat your heart out means making someone jealous by looking attractive. You’re showing off what they can’t have.
“When she showed up to the reunion looking amazing, it was like saying ‘eat your heart out’ to her ex.”
Sometimes the best revenge is living well and looking great.
97. Find it in Your Heart
Finding it in your heart means appealing to someone’s emotions. You’re asking them to be compassionate.
“Please find it in your heart to forgive me – I never meant to hurt you.”
This phrase acknowledges that forgiveness comes from the heart, not the head.
98. Tugging at Heartstrings
Tugging at heartstrings means making someone feel emotional. You’re pulling on their feelings.
“The soldier’s homecoming video was really tugging at everyone’s heartstrings.”
Some stories and situations just hit us right in the feels.
99. A Face Only a Mother Could Love
A face only a mother could love is a gentle way to say someone isn’t conventionally attractive. But mothers love unconditionally.
“He’s got a face only a mother could love, but his personality is absolutely charming.”
This reminds us that true beauty comes from within, and love sees beyond appearances.
100. No Love Lost
No love lost means mutual dislike between people. There’s definitely no romance here.
“After their business partnership went sour, there’s no love lost between those two.”
Sometimes relationships end so badly that any positive feelings completely disappear.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between “head over heels” and “love at first sight”?
“Head over heels” describes being completely in love, while “love at first sight” is about instant attraction when you first meet someone. You can be head over heels after knowing someone for months, but love at first sight happens immediately.
Are love idioms appropriate for professional writing?
Most love idioms are casual and work better in informal writing. For professional contexts, stick to more formal language unless you’re writing marketing copy or creative content where idioms might add personality.
Can I use these idioms for non-romantic love?
Absolutely! Many work great for describing passion about hobbies, food, places, or anything else you adore. “I’m head over heels for this new pizza place” works perfectly.
Which love idioms are considered old-fashioned?
Phrases like “going steady,” “puppy love,” and “tie the knot” have a vintage feel but are still understood. “Courting” and “wooing” sound more dated to modern ears.
Do other languages have similar love idioms?
Yes! Every language has colorful ways to describe love. Spanish has “media naranja” (half orange) for soulmate, and French uses “avoir le coup de foudre” (to have lightning strike) for love at first sight.
Conclusion: Love Speaks Every Language
Love might be universal, but every culture has its own special way of talking about it. These 100 English love idioms show just how creative we can get when describing matters of the heart. From the silly sweetness of “lovey-dovey” to the deep commitment of “through thick and thin,” each phrase captures a different shade of romantic experience.
Here’s something extra to think about: love idioms actually help us process our emotions. When we can name what we’re feeling – whether it’s having butterflies, being lovestruck, or carrying a torch – we better understand our own hearts. Language doesn’t just describe love; it helps us navigate it.
So whether you’re head over heels, looking for your soulmate, or just trying to understand the crazy world of romance, these idioms give you the words to express what your heart already knows. After all, love may be blind, but it sure isn’t speechless!
Helpful Resources
- https://grammarist.com/idiom/love-idioms/
- https://www.yourdictionary.com/articles/examples-love-idioms
- https://atlaslanguageschool.com/love-idioms-in-english/
- https://www.thesaurus.com/e/ways-to-say/love-idioms/
- https://ling-app.com/tips/american-love-idioms/
- https://eslexpat.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Love-Idioms-List.pdf
- https://englishstudio.com/english-romantic-idioms-and-phrases/
- https://preply.com/en/blog/10-idioms-about-love-in-english/
- https://livexp.com/blog/english-love-idioms
- https://www.idiomconnection.com/relationship.html
- https://www.englishcentral.com/blog/en/idioms-about-love/
- https://letslearnenglish.com/the-whole-guide-to-idioms-of-love/
- https://www.kylian.ai/blog/en/10-idioms-about-love-in-english
