The role of an idiom is to paint a vivid illustration through familiar and expressive language. When relating to love, it offers insight into various aspects, whether joyful, challenging, or complex, in a succinct and evocative manner.
An idiom is a commonly used figurative expression that has a meaning different from the literal interpretation of its words. For example, saying “falling head over heels in love” to depict the intense and overwhelming feelings of love.
As you can see from the following graph from Google’s historical dataset, taken from newspapers and books through history, the phrase “head over heels in love” has been around since the early 1880s, but has gained in popularity in the 21st Century:
About the Author: Chris Drew has a PhD in Education. He has been a teacher in schools and universities and has taught English as a Second Language in Colombia. He is former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education.
Idioms for Love
1. Head over heels in love
Meaning: This idiom portrays an overwhelmingly intense and passionate love that can turn one’s world upside down.
When to use: Use this idiom when expressing extremely strong feelings of love, typically at the start of a passionate romantic relationship.
In a sentence: “He was head over heels in love with her, as her every word sent his heart spiraling into an abyss of affection.”
2. Love at first sight
Meaning: This idiom suggests an instantaneous attraction or love towards someone upon first meeting them.
When to use: Employ this idiom when discussing immediate connections and attractions that arise unexpectedly.
In a sentence: “For them, it was love at first sight, their hearts intertwined within moments of their first meeting.”
3. Fall head over heels
Meaning: Similar to “head over heels in love,” this idiom captures the intensity and suddenness of falling deeply in love.
When to use: Use this idiom when describing the swift onset of passionate feelings or the instant captivation one experiences when falling deeply in love.
In a sentence: “From the moment he saw her, he fell head over heels, unable to resist her charm and grace.”
See Also: A List of Metaphors for Love
4. Crazy about someone
Meaning: This idiom equates being in love with a sense of madness or craziness, highlighting the intensity and frenzy of feelings.
When to use: Use this idiom while describing overwhelming love that borders on obsession.
In a sentence: “She was crazy about him, losing herself completely in his mesmerizing gaze and silken words.”
5. Wear one’s heart on one’s sleeve
Meaning: This idiom describes openly showing and expressing one’s emotions rather than hiding them, particularly in the context of love.
When to use: Apply this idiom when discussing open display of affection or emotions in romantic contexts.
In a sentence: “He wore his heart on his sleeve, making his love for her evident with his every word and action.”
6. Heart in one’s mouth
Meaning: This idiom implies anxiety or fear usually associated with the anticipation of a loved one’s well-being or response.
When to use: Utilize this idiom when narrating moments of romantic anticipation or anxiety.
In a sentence: “As he knelt down to propose, his heart in his mouth, he fervently hoped for a positive reply.”
7. Match made in heaven
Meaning: This idiomatic expression suggests a perfect pairing or partnership, often used to describe seemingly destined romantic relationships.
When to use: Use this idiom when discussing perfect couples or a flawless match.
In a sentence: “Their harmonious relationship made everyone believe theirs was a match made in heaven.”
8. Tied the knot
Meaning: This idiom means to get married, creating a bond symbolized by a knot that ties the couple together.
When to use: Apply this idiom when talking about marriage or the act of getting married.
In a sentence: “After many beautiful years together, they finally tied the knot in a splendid ceremony.”
9. Love is blind
Meaning: This idiom suggests that love can make one oblivious to their loved one’s faults or flaws, reflecting the forgiving and accepting nature of love.
When to use: Employ this idiom when addressing the ability of love to overlook imperfections.
In a sentence: “Truly in love, she only saw his virtues, reminding him once again that love is blind.”
See Also: A List of Similes for Love
10. Puppy love
Meaning: This idiom usually refers to young or naive love, often short-lived or excessively romantic.
When to use: Use this idiom to explain infatuations or early love experiences, often during adolescence.
In a sentence: “Their flirtation was sweet but ephemeral, something most would dismiss as puppy love, yet it held a special place in their hearts.”
11. On cloud nine
Meaning: This idiom refers to a state of extreme happiness or bliss, often due to being in love.
When to use: Use this idiom to describe feeling on top of the world due to being in love.
In a sentence: “Since he confessed his love for her, she was on cloud nine, basking in the joyous glow of mutual affection.”
12. Old flame
Meaning: This idiom refers to a past lover or romantic interest with whom one had a significant relationship.
When to use: Utilize this idiom when discussing past romantic relationships in a nostalgic or reflective context.
In a sentence: “Running into his old flame at the party stirred up a mix of emotions and fond memories of youthful passion.”
13. Fall for someone hook, line, and sinker
Meaning: This idiom stems from fishing terminology and means to be completely captivated or duped by someone’s charms.
When to use: Deploy this idiom when talking about deep, possibly unreserved attraction or fascination towards someone.
In a sentence: “Completely enraptured by her, he fell for her hook, line, and sinker, oblivious to her manipulative ways.”
14. Have chemistry
Meaning: This idiom means to have a mutual connection or compatibility, especially in the context of romantic relationships.
When to use: Use this idiom when discussing the synchronicity and compatibility between two people.
In a sentence: “Although they were different in many ways, they had chemistry that was palpable and beautiful to witness.”
15. Heartbeat away
Meaning: This idiom signifies that something or someone is very close, highlighting the deep connection and closeness in a relationship.
When to use: Use this idiom when conveying the nearness or intimacy in a romantic relationship.
In a sentence: “Even though they were separated by continents, she always felt he was just a heartbeat away.”
16. Take one’s breath away
Meaning: This idiom refers to an overwhelming or incredible experience or person that leaves you breathless, often out of love or astonishment.
When to use: Use this idiom when describing a partner or a moment that is stunningly overwhelming due to love.
In a sentence: “His proposal under the starlit sky truly took her breath away, making for an unforgettable moment.”
17. Carry the torch for someone
Meaning: This idiom signifies the act of maintaining feelings for someone who is unaviably or unilaterally loved.
When to use: Use this idiom when portraying unrequited love or enduring affection for someone unattainable.
In a sentence: “Despite knowing she was married to another, he carried the torch for her, his love undiminished through the years.”
18. Win someone’s heart
Meaning: This idiom means to earn someone’s love or affection, winning over their heart.
When to use: Utilize this idiom when conceptualizing the act of gaining someone’s love.
In a sentence: “With his kindness and genuine approach, he managed to win her heart, against all odds.”
Comprehension Worksheet
Question 1: What does the idiom “Head over heels in love” suggest about feelings of love?
A) Love is always platonic.
B) Love can be intensely passionate and overwhelming.
C) Love is often unrequited.
D) Love is always predictable.
Question 2: What does the idiom “Love at first sight” imply?
A) Instant attraction or love towards someone upon first meeting.
B) Initial dislike towards someone.
C) Gradual development of love.
D) Ignoring someone at first meeting.
Question 3: Which idiom suggests showing and expressing one’s emotions openly in context of love?
A) Carry the torch for someone
B) Win someone’s heart
C) Wear one’s heart on one’s sleeve
D) Old Flame
Question 4: Which idiom refers to a perfect pairing or partnership, often used to describe seemingly destined romantic relationships?
A) Love is blind
B) Puppy love
C) Match made in heaven
D) Crazy about someone
Question 5: How does the idiom “Fall for someone hook, line, and sinker” showcase the concept of being completely besotted by someone?
A) By showcasing the concept of rejection.
B) By expressing the idea of complete captivation or fascination towards someone.
C) By indicating a lack of interest in someone.
D) By suggesting a problem in understanding someone.
Question 6: What does the idiom “Carry the torch for someone” depict about one’s feelings?
A) It represents superficial feelings for someone.
B) It represents maintaining feelings for someone who is unavailably or unilaterally loved.
C) It shows a lack of feelings for someone.
D) It represents mutual feelings of love between two individuals.
