Idioms are fun groups of words that mean something different from what the words actually say. People use them to make speaking and writing more colorful, emotional, and interesting. Today, you are going to learn fifty idioms that relate to couples, relationships, and romance.
In this lesson, we’ll look at idioms that mean love, partnership, and working together. Let’s get started and explore some of these helpful expressions.
Idioms for Couples
1. Tie the knot
Definition: This means to get married to your partner.
Used in a Sentence: They decided to tie the knot after dating for five years. / Many couples choose to tie the knot in the springtime.
Similar Expressions: Walk down the aisle / Say I do
2. Match made in heaven
Definition: This describes two people who are exceptionally well-suited for each other.
Used in a Sentence: Everyone says Sam and Anna are a match made in heaven. / They share every single hobby, making them a match made in heaven.
Similar Expressions: Perfect fit / Soul mates
3. Apple of my eye
Definition: This refers to someone who is deeply cherished and loved above all others.
Used in a Sentence: He looked at his wife and knew she was the apple of his eye. / She is the apple of my eye, and I want to spend forever with her.
Similar Expressions: Greatest treasure / Dearest love
4. Head over heels
Definition: This means to be completely and deeply in love with someone.
Used in a Sentence: Mark fell head over heels the moment he met his girlfriend. / They are still head over heels for each other after a decade.
Similar Expressions: Madly in love / Smitten
5. Two peas in a pod
Definition: This describes two people who look, act, or think very much alike.
Used in a Sentence: The newlyweds act like two peas in a pod everywhere they go. / My grandparents are like two peas in a pod who share every thought.
Similar Expressions: Cut from the same cloth / Inseparable pair
6. Better half
Definition: This is a warm and affectionate term for a person’s spouse or long-term romantic partner.
Used in a Sentence: Tom brought his better half to the office holiday party. / I would love for you to meet my better half tonight.
Similar Expressions: Life partner / Significant other
7. Pop the question
Definition: This means to propose marriage to someone.
Used in a Sentence: He planned a romantic dinner on the beach to pop the question. / Are you nervous about the day you pop the question?
Similar Expressions: Ask for someone’s hand / Propose marriage
8. Set eyes on
Definition: This means to see someone for the very first time and feel an instant attraction.
Used in a Sentence: He knew he loved her the moment he first set eyes on her. / They fell in love the day they set eyes on each other at school.
Similar Expressions: Lay eyes on / Catch sight of
9. Puppy love
Definition: This describes young, innocent, or temporary romantic feelings, often felt by teenagers.
Used in a Sentence: Their middle school romance was just sweet puppy love. / Do not worry, your first crush is only puppy love.
Similar Expressions: Young crush / Schoolyard romance
10. Carry a torch
Definition: This means to secretly harbor unrequited romantic feelings for someone.
Used in a Sentence: He continued to carry a torch for her long after they broke up. / She realized it was time to stop carrying a torch for an ex.
Similar Expressions: Harbor a crush / Yearn from afar
11. Love is blind
Definition: This means that when you love someone, you tend to ignore or forgive their flaws.
Used in a Sentence: He defends all her silly mistakes because love is blind. / They say love is blind because couples do not see each other’s faults.
Similar Expressions: Affection overlooks flaws / Passion ignores faults
12. Blind date
Definition: This is a social meeting arranged between two people who have never met before.
Used in a Sentence: Her sister set her up on a blind date for Friday night. / They met on a blind date and ended up getting married years later.
Similar Expressions: Arranged meeting / First introduction
13. Knock someone off their feet
Definition: This means to overwhelm someone with strong feelings of romantic attraction.
Used in a Sentence: The handsome stranger walked up and completely knocked her off her feet. / He wanted to knock her off her feet with a grand romantic gesture.
Similar Expressions: Sweep someone away / Charm completely
14. Be an item
Definition: This means to be officially dating and in a committed relationship.
Used in a Sentence: After hanging out every day, they finally became an item. / Everyone at school knew those two were an item.
Similar Expressions: Dating officially / Be a couple
15. Hit it off
Definition: This means to quickly like each other and get along very well from the start.
Used in a Sentence: The couple hit it off immediately during their first conversation. / We sat together at the party and really hit it off.
Similar Expressions: Click instantly / Bond right away
16. On the rocks
Definition: This describes a romantic relationship that is experiencing serious trouble and instability.
Used in a Sentence: Their marriage was on the rocks until they started couples therapy. / If a relationship is on the rocks, honest communication can help.
Similar Expressions: In deep trouble / Struggling badly
17. Patch things up
Definition: This means to resolve an argument and restore peace in a relationship.
Used in a Sentence: After a long talk, the couple managed to patch things up. / It is important to patch things up quickly after a silly fight.
Similar Expressions: Make peace / Mend fences
18. Sweet nothing
Definition: This refers to affectionate, romantic, or whispered words whispered between partners.
Used in a Sentence: He leaned over to whisper sweet nothings in her ear. / They spent the evening whispering sweet nothings under the moonlight.
Similar Expressions: Tender words / Loving whispers
19. Puppy dog eyes
Definition: This describes an innocent, pleading facial expression used to win someone over.
Used in a Sentence: She gave him puppy dog eyes until he agreed to share his dessert. / He used his best puppy dog eyes to convince her to watch his movie.
Similar Expressions: Pleading look / Sad expression
20. Old flame
Definition: This is a former romantic partner or past love interest.
Used in a Sentence: She ran into an old flame while visiting her hometown. / It is usually best not to text an old flame while in a new relationship.
Similar Expressions: Ex lover / Past romance
21. Win someone over
Definition: This means to gain someone’s affection, approval, or love through charming actions.
Used in a Sentence: He tried hard to win over her family with his kind manners. / Flowers and chocolate helped him win her over.
Similar Expressions: Charm someone / Gain approval
22. Ride off into the sunset
Definition: This means to move away together to live happily ever after.
Used in a Sentence: The hero and his bride rode off into the sunset at the end of the movie. / They dreamed of buying a farm and riding off into the sunset together.
Similar Expressions: Live happily / Depart together
23. Soul mate
Definition: This is a person with whom one has a deep and natural affinity and romantic connection.
Used in a Sentence: He knew she was his soul mate the day they met. / Finding your soul mate brings a lifetime of shared happiness.
Similar Expressions: True love / Destined partner
24. Heart skipped a beat
Definition: This describes a sudden moment of strong excitement or love upon seeing your partner.
Used in a Sentence: Her heart skipped a beat when he opened the ring box. / My heart skipped a beat every time she smiled at me.
Similar Expressions: Breath taken away / Sudden thrill
25. Wear your heart on your sleeve
Definition: This means to openly display your emotions and romantic feelings for everyone to see.
Used in a Sentence: He always wears his heart on his sleeve when he is dating. / Do not be afraid to wear your heart on your sleeve with the right person.
Similar Expressions: Show emotions openly / Be expressive
26. Break someone’s heart
Definition: This means to cause deep emotional pain or sadness by ending a relationship.
Used in a Sentence: Moving away for college meant he had to break her heart. / It hurts to break someone’s heart even when it is necessary.
Similar Expressions: Crush emotionally / Cause heartbreak
27. Mended heart
Definition: This describes a person who has healed from past emotional pain and is ready to love again.
Used in a Sentence: With time and patience, she entered the new relationship with a mended heart. / A mended heart is capable of loving even deeper than before.
Similar Expressions: Healed spirit / Recovered soul
28. Love at first sight
Definition: This is an instant feeling of romantic attraction when meeting someone for the first time.
Used in a Sentence: Their story sounded like a fairy tale of love at first sight. / Do you believe in love at first sight or does it take time?
Similar Expressions: Instant attraction / Immediate spark
29. A match made in heaven
Definition: This means an exceptionally harmonious union between two people.
Used in a Sentence: Their shared interests prove they are a match made in heaven. / Everyone cheered when the wonderful couple formed a match made in heaven.
Similar Expressions: Perfect pairing / Ideal match
30. Drift apart
Definition: This describes a couple slowly losing closeness and emotional connection over time.
Used in a Sentence: Without good communication, busy schedules caused them to drift apart. / They used to be best friends, but college made them drift apart.
Similar Expressions: Grow distant / Separate slowly
31. Pop the question
Definition: This means to ask someone to marry you.
Used in a Sentence: He bought a sparkling ring and planned to pop the question tonight. / She was thrilled when he finally decided to pop the question.
Similar Expressions: Ask for marriage / Propose
32. Stand by someone
Definition: This means to remain loyal and supportive of your partner through difficult times.
Used in a Sentence: True couples always stand by each other through thick and thin. / She promised to stand by him while he chased his dreams.
Similar Expressions: Support loyally / Stick together
33. Tied down
Definition: This means feeling restricted or committed in a long-term relationship.
Used in a Sentence: He was afraid of feeling tied down, so he avoided dating for years. / Committing to marriage does not mean you are tied down in a bad way.
Similar Expressions: Committed / Restricted
34. Catch feelings
Definition: This means to start developing romantic feelings for someone unexpectedly.
Used in a Sentence: They started as casual friends before he began to catch feelings. / Try not to catch feelings too fast before you know someone well.
Similar Expressions: Fall for someone / Develop attraction
35. Play hard to get
Definition: This means to pretend you are less interested than you actually are to attract someone.
Used in a Sentence: She decided to play hard to get instead of texting right back. / Playing hard to get can sometimes make a potential partner more curious.
Similar Expressions: Act aloof / Be elusive
36. Go steady
Definition: This is an older term meaning to date only one person exclusively.
Used in a Sentence: In the old days, teenagers would ask each other to go steady. / They decided to go steady after months of group dates.
Similar Expressions: Date exclusively / Commit to one
37. Love conquers all
Definition: This means that strong affection and devotion can overcome any obstacle or challenge.
Used in a Sentence: They believed that as long as they stayed together, love conquers all. / Facing hard times is easier when you remember love conquers all.
Similar Expressions: Affection wins / Devotion overcomes
38. Lean on someone
Definition: This means to depend on your partner for emotional support and comfort.
Used in a Sentence: It is healthy to lean on your partner when you are stressed out. / She allowed him to lean on her after a very difficult day at work.
Similar Expressions: Depend upon / Rely on
39. Double date
Definition: This is a social outing where two romantic couples go out together.
Used in a Sentence: We went on a fun double date with our best friends last night. / Going on a double date is a great way to break the ice.
Similar Expressions: Dual outing / Couples evening
40. Keep the fire burning
Definition: This means to maintain romance, excitement, and passion in a long-term relationship.
Used in a Sentence: Date nights help couples keep the fire burning after many years of marriage. / They planned a weekend getaway to keep the fire burning.
Similar Expressions: Maintain passion / Keep romance alive
41. Love nest
Definition: This is a cozy home shared by a newly married or romantic couple.
Used in a Sentence: They decorated their first apartment together to create a cozy love nest. / The newlyweds moved into their little love nest downtown.
Similar Expressions: Shared home / Cozy haven
42. Third wheel
Definition: This is an awkward person who accompanies a romantic couple when they want privacy.
Used in a Sentence: He felt like a third wheel when he went to the movies with his dating friends. / I do not want to be a third wheel on your romantic dinner date.
Similar Expressions: Unwanted extra / Odd person out
43. Kiss and make up
Definition: This means to forgive each other and reconcile after a brief argument.
Used in a Sentence: After a minor disagreement, the sweet couple quickly kissed and made up. / It is always best to kiss and make up before going to sleep.
Similar Expressions: Reconcile / Make peace
44. Through thick and thin
Definition: This means through all good times and bad times in a relationship.
Used in a Sentence: They promised to support each other through thick and thin. / A strong couple stays loyal through thick and thin.
Similar Expressions: Through good and bad / In every circumstance
45. Better half of me
Definition: This refers to the person who completes your life and brings out your best qualities.
Used in a Sentence: He introduced his wife by saying she is the better half of me. / My husband is truly the better half of me.
Similar Expressions: Completing puzzle piece / True companion
46. Anchor in a storm
Definition: This describes a partner who brings stability and calm during chaotic or stressful times.
Used in a Sentence: During hard personal trials, she was his anchor in a storm. / A good partner acts as your anchor in a storm when life gets tough.
Similar Expressions: Steady rock / Calm refuge
47. Finish each other’s sentences
Definition: This describes a couple who knows each other so well they can predict what the other will say.
Used in a Sentence: After twenty years together, they constantly finish each other’s sentences. / It is funny how married couples finish each other’s sentences.
Similar Expressions: Think alike / Share one mind
48. Apple of my eye
Definition: This means someone who is cherished more than anyone else.
Used in a Sentence: She is the apple of my eye and my favorite person in the world. / He considers his loving wife to be the apple of my eye.
Similar Expressions: Most cherished / Absolute favorite
49. Sweetheart
Definition: This is a term of endearment for someone who is kind, loving, and dear to you.
Used in a Sentence: He bought flowers for his sweetheart after work. / You are such a sweetheart for helping with dinner.
Similar Expressions: Dear one / Beloved
50. Tied the knot
Definition: This means completed a marriage ceremony with your partner.
Used in a Sentence: They happily tied the knot surrounded by family and friends. / After a long engagement, they finally tied the knot last summer.
Similar Expressions: Got married / United in wedlock
Exercise to Practice
- When a couple gets married, people often say they decided to tie the knot.
- If two people look and act completely different, they are like two peas in a pod.
- Mark fell head over heels in love the moment he met his wonderful girlfriend.
- When a relationship is going through a very rough patch, people say it is on the kitchen table.
- A sweetheart is a term of endearment used for someone who is very kind and dear.
- If someone whispers sweet nothings, they are shouting loudly across a crowded room.
- A third wheel is an awkward extra person hanging out with a romantic couple.
- When partners resolve an argument, they kiss and make up.
- Love is blind means that couples can see every single minor flaw with perfect clarity.
- If you catch feelings for someone, you start developing unexpected romantic affection.
- An old flame refers to a brand new puppy you just adopted from the shelter.
- To keep the fire burning, couples work to maintain romance and passion over time.
- Playing hard to get means you text someone back instantly every single time.
- A match made in heaven describes two people who are an exceptionally good fit.
- Standing by someone means you abandon your partner the moment life gets difficult.
Answer Key
- True
- False
- True
- False
- True
- False
- True
- True
- False
- True
- False
- True
- False
- True
- False
Conclusion
Learning these couple idioms helps you understand how people talk about love, relationships, and romance in everyday English. Using these fun expressions makes your conversations much more colorful and engaging. Try picking a few of your favorites to use when talking about your family, friends, or favorite book characters in real life. Practice sharing them with someone you know to see how much fun English idioms can be.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common idioms for couples?
Some very common couple idioms include tie the knot, head over heels, and two peas in a pod. People use these expressions every day to describe romance, dating, and marriage.
Why do we use idioms in English?
Idioms make our language more expressive, colorful, and fun by painting a picture in the listener’s mind. Instead of using plain words, idioms add emotion and personality to conversation.
How can I practice using couple idioms?
You can practice by using one new idiom each day in a sentence when talking to a friend or writing in a journal. Reading stories and doing practice exercises also helps lock them in your memory.
Do all English speakers use these idioms?
Yes, native English speakers use these idioms frequently in casual conversation, movies, books, and television shows. Learning them helps you understand cultural references and everyday jokes much better.
What does it mean when a couple is on the rocks?
When a relationship is on the rocks, it means the couple is experiencing serious trouble, arguments, or instability. It suggests the partnership needs care and communication to survive.
