When it comes to matters of the heart, language blossoms with color and creativity.
That’s where love idioms come in.
These are unique, figurative expressions that paint vivid pictures of romantic feelings, relationships, and affection.
Instead of plainly saying
“I love you” or “I’m attracted to someone,” idioms for love let us express our emotions with charm and flair.
Understanding and using love idioms can help improve your English fluency and add natural rhythm to your conversations.
From timeless phrases like “head over heels” to quirky ones like “have a crush,” each idiom carries emotion, culture, and character.
In this blog post, you’ll discover over 25 powerful idioms for love, complete with meanings, origins, real-life examples, and tips on how to use them.
Plus, you’ll find practice exercises to boost your mastery.
Let’s dive into the language of love! 💘
✅ The 25 Idioms for Love
1. Head Over Heels
Meaning: Deeply and madly in love.
Origin: Dates back to the 18th century, originally used as “heels over head” in reference to being flipped over.
In a Sentence:
- “I fell head over heels for her the moment we met.”
- “They’re head over heels despite only dating for a month.”
- “He’s so head over heels that he forgot our poker night!”
Usage Tip: Great for romantic or dramatic declarations.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Madly in love
- Smitten
- Deeply attached
2. Love at First Sight
Meaning: Falling in love instantly upon meeting someone.
Origin: Found in literature as early as Shakespeare’s plays.
In a Sentence:
- “It was love at first sight when they met in Paris.”
- “She believes in love at first sight, and now I do too.”
- “I knew it was love at first sight when I saw him smile.”
Usage Tip: Use for powerful, emotional moments.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Instant connection
- Immediate chemistry
- Spark on sight
3. Have a Crush (on Someone)
Meaning: To feel a strong attraction, often unspoken or one-sided.
Origin: Popularized in the 20th century in American slang.
In a Sentence:
- “He has a crush on his coworker.”
- “I used to have a crush on my math teacher!”
- “Teenagers often have crushes that come and go.”
Usage Tip: Often used for casual or early-stage romantic feelings.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Infatuated
- Admire
- Smitten with
4. Fall for Someone
Meaning: Begin to feel romantic love.
Origin: Likely comes from the idea of “falling” being accidental or unexpected.
In a Sentence:
- “I didn’t mean to, but I’ve fallen for him.”
- “She fell for her best friend after years of friendship.”
- “Be careful — it’s easy to fall for the wrong person.”
Usage Tip: Great for describing unexpected love.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Develop feelings
- Catch feelings
- Start liking
5. Lovebird(s)
Meaning: Two people in love, often seen being affectionate.
Origin: From the affectionate behavior of actual lovebirds (a species of parrot).
In a Sentence:
- “Look at those two lovebirds—always holding hands!”
- “The lovebirds are on vacation in Italy.”
- “Ever since they got together, they’ve been acting like lovebirds.”
Usage Tip: Best used playfully or teasingly.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Couple
- Sweethearts
- Romantic duo
6. Puppy Love
Meaning: Young or adolescent infatuation.
Origin: Coined in the 19th century, likening early love to a young puppy’s excitement.
In a Sentence:
- “Their relationship was just puppy love, nothing serious.”
- “I had puppy love for my neighbor when I was 12.”
- “Don’t dismiss puppy love—it can feel very real.”
Usage Tip: Use when referring to youthful or early-stage love.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Young love
- Innocent crush
- Teenage romance
7. Love is Blind
Meaning: Love can cloud judgment or overlook flaws.
Origin: Used by Chaucer and Shakespeare.
In a Sentence:
- “She doesn’t see his bad behavior — love is blind.”
- “They say love is blind, and it’s true in her case.”
- “He ignored all the warnings—love is blind after all.”
Usage Tip: Use when describing irrational love.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Blinded by love
- Ignoring red flags
- Rose-colored glasses
8. Tie the Knot
Meaning: To get married.
Origin: Comes from ancient wedding rituals involving tying hands with a cord.
In a Sentence:
- “They’re finally tying the knot this June.”
- “Are you two ready to tie the knot?”
- “They tied the knot in a beach ceremony.”
Usage Tip: Use to describe marriage in a casual or happy tone.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Get hitched
- Say “I do”
- Walk down the aisle
9. Match Made in Heaven
Meaning: A perfect couple; ideally suited.
Origin: A poetic phrase dating back centuries.
In a Sentence:
- “You two are a match made in heaven!”
- “Their personalities fit perfectly — it’s a match made in heaven.”
- “The chef and food critic became a match made in heaven.”
Usage Tip: Use for compatible relationships.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Perfect pair
- Meant to be
- Soulmates
10. Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve
Meaning: To openly show one’s emotions.
Origin: From medieval jousts, where knights wore a lady’s token on their sleeve.
In a Sentence:
- “He wears his heart on his sleeve—you always know how he feels.”
- “She’s not afraid to wear her heart on her sleeve.”
- “If you wear your heart on your sleeve, expect vulnerability.”
Usage Tip: Use when talking about open or emotional people.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Be vulnerable
- Show emotions
- Open-hearted
11. Crazy About Someone
Meaning: To be extremely enthusiastic or passionate about someone.
Origin: Popularized in the 20th century through American pop culture.
In a Sentence:
- “He’s crazy about her — he talks about her all the time.”
- “She’s crazy about that new guy from the coffee shop.”
- “They’re both crazy about each other; it’s adorable.”
Usage Tip: Often used for strong romantic feelings or obsession.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Wild for
- Mad about
- Nuts for
12. The Apple of Someone’s Eye
Meaning: Someone cherished above all others.
Origin: Old English, referring to the pupil (apple) of the eye — something precious and essential.
In a Sentence:
- “Her daughter is the apple of her eye.”
- “He’s the apple of her eye, and she spoils him rotten.”
- “Their grandson is the apple of their eye.”
Usage Tip: Use for describing deep affection, not limited to romance.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Beloved
- Dearest
- Treasure
13. Love-Struck
Meaning: Deeply affected by love, often in a dreamy or distracted state.
Origin: From the idea of being “struck” by Cupid’s arrow.
In a Sentence:
- “He walked around all day looking love-struck.”
- “She was completely love-struck after the date.”
- “His love-struck smile gave him away.”
Usage Tip: Use when someone behaves differently because of love.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Smitten
- Infatuated
- Enamored
14. Pop the Question
Meaning: To propose marriage.
Origin: A 19th-century phrase meaning to ask “the question” (Will you marry me?).
In a Sentence:
- “He finally popped the question on Valentine’s Day.”
- “Everyone expected him to pop the question during dinner.”
- “She said yes when he popped the question under the stars.”
Usage Tip: Informal, joyful way to describe proposing.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Propose
- Ask for someone’s hand
- Get engaged
15. Carry a Torch (for Someone)
Meaning: To continue loving someone, usually secretly or after rejection.
Origin: Early 1900s American slang.
In a Sentence:
- “He’s been carrying a torch for her since high school.”
- “She still carries a torch for her ex.”
- “Don’t carry a torch — move on!”
Usage Tip: Often for unrequited love.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Hold a candle
- Pining for
- Longing for
16. On the Rocks
Meaning: In trouble; a relationship that is failing.
Origin: Nautical term for ships in danger on rocks.
In a Sentence:
- “Their marriage is on the rocks.”
- “They’ve been arguing a lot — things are on the rocks.”
- “Financial problems put their relationship on the rocks.”
Usage Tip: Often describes problematic relationships.
Other Ways to Say It:
- In trouble
- Rocky
- Unstable
17. Those Three Little Words
Meaning: Refers to saying “I love you.”
Origin: Romantic literature and movies.
In a Sentence:
- “It took him months to say those three little words.”
- “She was waiting for those three little words.”
- “Finally, he whispered those three little words.”
Usage Tip: Use for moments leading to saying “I love you.”
Other Ways to Say It:
- Confess love
- Drop the L-word
- Say the magic words
18. To Be an Item
Meaning: A couple in a romantic relationship.
Origin: American slang from the 1960s.
In a Sentence:
- “They’re officially an item now.”
- “Everyone at work knows they’re an item.”
- “Are they still an item, or did they break up?”
Usage Tip: Casual way to describe couples.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Dating
- Together
- Going out
19. Take Someone’s Breath Away
Meaning: To amaze or impress someone greatly, often because of beauty.
Origin: Literary; found in poetry and novels.
In a Sentence:
- “She took his breath away in that red dress.”
- “The sight of the sunset took my breath away.”
- “His performance on stage took everyone’s breath away.”
Usage Tip: Can describe people or things of stunning beauty.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Astonish
- Stun
- Leave speechless
20. Lovey-Dovey
Meaning: Overly affectionate and sentimental.
Origin: 20th-century American slang.
In a Sentence:
- “Those two are always so lovey-dovey in public.”
- “They’re acting lovey-dovey again at lunch.”
- “I’m not into all that lovey-dovey stuff.”
Usage Tip: Slightly playful or teasing tone.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Affectionate
- Sappy
- Cuddly
21. Hit It Off
Meaning: To immediately get along well, especially romantically.
Origin: 18th-century British slang.
In a Sentence:
- “We hit it off on our first date.”
- “They really hit it off at the party.”
- “It’s rare to hit it off so quickly.”
Usage Tip: Great for describing initial chemistry.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Click
- Connect
- Get along
22. Have the Hots for Someone
Meaning: To feel intense attraction or desire.
Origin: American slang, mid-20th century.
In a Sentence:
- “He’s got the hots for her.”
- “I used to have the hots for that actor.”
- “She knows he has the hots for her.”
Usage Tip: Informal and slightly cheeky.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Hot for
- Attracted to
- Crazy about
23. Love You to the Moon and Back
Meaning: To love someone immensely.
Origin: Popularized by children’s books and pop culture.
In a Sentence:
- “I love you to the moon and back, sweetheart.”
- “Mom always said she loves me to the moon and back.”
- “It’s a cute way to say, ‘I love you endlessly.’”
Usage Tip: Sweet, affectionate; often used with family or lovers.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Love you endlessly
- Forever love
- Boundless love
24. Heart Skips a Beat
Meaning: Feeling excited or nervous because of love.
Origin: Describes the sensation of sudden emotional shock.
In a Sentence:
- “My heart skipped a beat when he smiled.”
- “Every time she calls, my heart skips a beat.”
- “Seeing him after all these years made my heart skip a beat.”
Usage Tip: Use to describe a strong emotional impact.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Butterflies in the stomach
- Feel a jolt
- Breathless moment
25. Whisper Sweet Nothings
Meaning: To say romantic or endearing words, often softly.
Origin: 18th-century English poetry.
In a Sentence:
- “He whispered sweet nothings in her ear.”
- “They sat under the stars, whispering sweet nothings.”
- “She smiled at his sweet nothings.”
Usage Tip: Best for describing romantic moments.
Other Ways to Say It:
- Murmur affection
- Whisper love words
- Speak tenderly
✍️ 10 Practice Exercises on Idioms for Love (Fill in the Blanks)
Complete the following sentences using the appropriate love idioms from above:
1. After just one date, she was _____________ for him.
2. They were acting like _____________ during their honeymoon.
3. I used to _______________ on my classmate in middle school.
4. He finally decided to ________________ and propose!
5. That wasn’t true love — it was just __________________.
6. We all saw it coming — they’re a ____________________.
7. She couldn’t hide her feelings and __________________.
8. You could say it was _______________ —they instantly connected.
9. Everyone says _______________ when they overlook their partner’s faults.
10. They’re planning to ____________ next summer.
✅ Answer Key
1. head over heels
2. lovebirds
3. have a crush
4. pop the question / tie the knot
5. puppy love
6. match made in heaven
7. wore her heart on her sleeve
8. love at first sight
9. love is blind
10. tie the knot
Idioms for Love (Summary)
Love idioms bring a whole new depth to conversations.
They express powerful emotions in ways that feel poetic, relatable, and culturally rich.
Whether you’re describing butterflies in your stomach or tying the knot, these idioms for love help you sound fluent, natural, and expressive.
By learning and using these phrases, you can better understand romantic scenes in movies, songs, and books — and also express your feelings more creatively.
Keep practicing these love idioms, and before long, they’ll become second nature. ❤️
Want more idioms and tips?
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