Introduction

Love is a universal feeling that has been expressed in many different ways throughout history. One way that love has been expressed in language is through the use of idioms. An idiom is a group of words whose meaning is not predictable from the meanings of the individual words. Love idioms are a unique and creative way to express love and affection towards someone.

Common Love Idioms

We will explore some common love idioms and their origins, as well as their meanings and usage in modern-day conversation.

Head over heels in love:

This idiom means to be completely in love with someone, to the point where you feel like you have fallen over and are unable to control your feelings. The origin of this idiom is unclear, but it is thought to have originated in the 18th century when people wore high heels and would occasionally trip and fall over, becoming head over heels.

Love is blind:

This idiom means that when you are in love, you cannot see the flaws or negative traits of your partner. The origin of this idiom dates back to the 1400s when it was first used by Geoffrey Chaucer in his poem “The Merchant’s Tale.” In the poem, a character named January falls in love with a woman named May, who is described as being beautiful, but also deceitful.

Lovebirds:

This idiom refers to two people who are deeply in love with each other and are always together. The origin of this idiom comes from the fact that birds, particularly doves, mate for life and are often seen together.

Butterflies in your stomach:

This idiom refers to the nervous feeling you get in your stomach when you are in love or are about to do something important. The origin of this idiom is unclear, but it is thought to have originated in the early 1900s when the word “butterflies” was first used to describe the feeling.

Cupid’s arrow:

This idiom refers to the feeling of falling in love suddenly and unexpectedly. The origin of this idiom comes from Greek and Roman mythology, where Cupid was the god of love and would shoot his arrow at people to make them fall in love.

Love at first sight:

This idiom refers to falling in love with someone the moment you first see them. The origin of this idiom is unclear, but it has been used in literature and poetry for centuries.

Love triangle:

This idiom refers to a situation where three people are involved in a romantic relationship, often causing drama and conflict. The origin of this idiom is unclear, but it has been used in literature and drama for centuries.

Wear your heart on your sleeve:

This idiom refers to being open and honest about your feelings towards someone, even if it makes you vulnerable. The origin of this idiom comes from the fact that in medieval times, knights would wear a token from their lady love on their sleeves during a tournament to show their loyalty.

Love-hate relationship:

This idiom refers to a relationship between two people who love each other but also have a lot of conflict and disagreements. The origin of this idiom is unclear, but it has been used in literature and drama for centuries.

To have a crush on someone:

This idiom refers to having a strong attraction to someone but not necessarily being in love with them. The origin of this idiom is unclear, but it has been used in literature and poetry for centuries.

In conclusion, love idioms are a creative and unique way to express love and affection towards someone. They are a part of our everyday language and have been used for centuries to describe the various aspects of love. By understanding the origins and meanings of these idioms, we can better understand the complexities and nuances of love. It’s important to note that while love idioms are fun and expressive, they should be used with care and consideration. Always make sure that the person you’re using an idiom with understands its meaning and context to avoid any misunderstandings or miscommunications.