Tag Archives: English Idioms of Courage

20 English Idioms of Love

20 English Idioms of Love

20 English Idioms of Love

20 English Idioms of Love

Have you ever fallen head over heels in love with somebody (developed strong feelings of love for somebody very quickly) and ended up living happily ever after (having a satisfying long-term relationship) with them? Do you believe that absence makes the heart grow fonder (your love intensifies after time apart from your loved one) and that everybody can find their soulmate (somebody that truly knows and understands them)? Do you get on like a house on fire (enjoy a good relationship) with your partner?

Whatever your current relationship status, this handy list of 20 English idioms of love will help you better understand common English expressions about love!

[Click here to learn more about how to use idioms in teaching English.]


Watch the related video below to get more definitions and examples:


1. idiom: have a crush on sby [somebody]

literal meaning: be attracted to sby.

example: ‘Did you know that Ginny’s got a crush on Dave?’ ‘I know! She’s been following him around like a lost puppy all day.

 

2. idiom: be hung up on sby

literal meaning: spend all your time thinking about sby in a romantic way.

example: ‘I can’t stop thinking about Liam.’ ‘Don’t get too hung up on him, dear. I’ve heard he’s already got a girlfriend.’

 

3. idiom: carry a torch for sby

literal meaning: love sby without them knowing, especially a former lover.

example: ‘Yes, Ronald still carries a torch for his ex-wife – despite that horrendous divorce.’

 

4. idiom: have a thing about sby

literal meaning: have feelings of attraction towards sby which are inexplicable.

example: ‘Joanne’s Canadian husband is kind of weird-looking, but he’s cute.’ ‘I know what you mean. But then I’ve always had a thing about Canadian guys.’

 

5. idiom: fall (head over heels) in love with sby

literal meaning: go from feelings of attraction to intense love for sby over a short period of time.

example: ‘We met in 2004 at a water park in Manila. We spent the rest of the holiday together and ended up falling head over heels in love with each other.’

 

6. idiom: be love at first sight

literal meaning: love sby after the first meeting.

example: ‘I met your father at the McDonalds in Charing Cross. I was wearing heels and a tight pink sweater. He was wearing his uniform. It was love at first sight.’

 

7. idiom: be made for each other

literal meaning: be a perfectly matched couple.

example: ‘Yes, Arnold and Mandy are a great couple. They really are made for each other.’

 

8. idiom: be a match made in heaven

literal meaning: be a perfectly matched couple.

example: ‘Leanne and Michael just seem like the perfect couple.’ ‘I know. They must be a match made in heaven.’

 

9. idiom: take sby’s breath away

literal meaning: make sby gasp in surprise or delight, especially due to a beautiful sight

example: ‘Whenever I see you, my darling, you take my breath away.’

 

10. idiom: only have eyes for sby

literal meaning: only be attracted to one particular person.

example: ‘I’ve seen you looking at other girls, Larry.’ ‘Nonsense, Janet. I only have eyes for you.’ ‘My name isn’t Janet.’

 

11. idiom: absence makes the heart grow fonder

literal meaning: spending time apart from your loved one(s) makes you love them more.

example: ‘I really miss Tom. I can’t wait for him to come home. Do you think he’ll still feel the same about me?’ ‘Well, you know what they say – absence makes the heart grow fonder.’

 

12. idiom: worship the ground sby walks on

literal meaning: adore sby completely and unconditionally.

example: ‘I don’t think Karl really cares about Mary, you know?’ ‘What? Are you kidding?! He worships the ground she walks on.’

 

13. idiom: sing sby’s praises

literal meaning: praise sby highly.

example: ‘I just ran into Graham at the store. He was singing your praises. He seems totally into you.’ ‘I know. He’s cute, but I’m not sure we’re meant to be.’

 

14. idiom: be the apple of sby’s eye

literal meaning: be beloved by somebody.

example: ‘Looks like Terry loves reading stories to his little daughter.’ ‘Yes, you can see that she’s the apple of his eye.’

 

15. idiom: get on like a house on fire

literal meaning: have a fantastic relationship.

example: ‘My parents have always got on like a house on fire, but lately I can sense some tension between them.’

 

16. idiom: be like two peas in a pod

literal meaning: be very similar to your partner, with identical tastes, views, dress sense, etc.

example: ‘Alan and his wife Jackie are absolutely inseparable, aren’t they? They’re so similar in almost every way.’ ‘Yes, they’re like two peas in a pod.’

 

17. idiom: find your soulmate

literal meaning: find the one person in the world who truly knows and understands you.

example: ‘I dream about finding my soulmate, but at fifty-five I fear I might be too old.’ ‘Don’t give up hope, Brenda.’

 

18. idiom: stick together through thick and thin

literal meaning: stay together and face life’s highs and lows as a team.

example: ‘Laura and Adam have had so many ups and downs in their relationship.’ ‘I know, but they’ve always managed to stick together through thick and thin.’

 

19. idiom: love conquers all

literal meaning: love triumphs over any problem or disaster.

example: ‘I think it’ll be too difficult to go through counselling with Ben. I can’t see our marriage surviving that.’ ‘Try to keep your head up. Love conquers all. Believe it.’ ‘OK. I’ll try.’

 

20. idiom: live happily ever after

literal meaning: live together in harmony for the rest of your life, e.g. after getting married.

example: ‘When I was younger, I always dreamed about meeting the perfect man, getting married, and living happily every after.’ ‘And now?’ ‘I still believe it.’


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20 English Idioms of Courage

Practice 20 English Idioms of Courage

Practice 20 English Idioms of Courage

20 English Idioms of Courage

20 English Idioms of Courage

More idioms: Learn 12 English Idioms of Patience

How courageous are you? Do you always try to put on a brave face when you are upset? (Not show your negative emotions.) Do you take risks, believing that fortune favours the brave? (If you are brave, you have more chance of success.) Do you need to pluck up the courage to do a difficult task? (Prepare mentally for the difficult challenge ahead.) Whatever you have to face, don’t lose your nerve (stay focused and strong) and never say die (don’t give up)! This handy list of 20 English idioms of courage will help you understand common sayings and expressions in English about courage!

[Click here to learn more about how to use idioms in teaching English.]

 

1. idiom: Put on a brave face.

literal meaning: Try not to look sad or disappointed.

example: Since my husband died I’ve been trying to put on a brave face for my children, but I just can’t do it any more.

 

2. idiom: Take heart.

literal meaning: Be encouraged.

example: ‘If I don’t pass this course, I could lose my job.’ ‘Take heart, Mike. Everything is gonna be OK.’

 

3. idiom: Chin up!

literal meaning: Don’t be down – be positive.

example: ‘I haven’t paid the gas bill – and it’s overdue; the kids always need new clothes, so… You know, I haven’t slept properly for weeks; I can’t cope…’ ‘Chin up. It can’t be all bad.’

 

4. idiom: Face [up to] your fears.

literal meaning: Confront what you fear – don’t avoid it.

example: ‘I know I’ve been avoiding talking to my boss about my illness, ‘cos I’m afraid of what he might say.’ ‘It’s time to face up to your fears, Marta. Just tell him!’

 

5. idiom: Who dares wins.

literal meaning: If you are brave and take a risk, you will succeed.

example: ‘I don’t know whether I dare ask Sally to the Valentines’ Day ball. I bet so many guys have already asked her.’ ‘You won’t stand a chance if you don’t try, Paul. Remember: who dares wins!

 

6. idiom: Fortune favours the brave.

literal meaning: If you are brave, you have more chance of succeeding.

example: ‘Is it a good idea to set up a new restaurant business right now, Gary?’ ‘Why not? Go for it! Fortune favours the brave.’

 

7. idiom: Have the courage of your convictions.

literal meaning: Be brave enough to live out your principles.

example: ‘I really think we shouldn’t serve meat at the barbecue. As a vegan it goes against all of my principles. But will anybody come?’ ‘It doesn’t matter, dear. You must have the courage of your convictions!’

 

8. idiom: Pluck up the courage to do sth.

literal meaning: Prepare yourself mentally to do sth that you are afraid of doing.

example: ‘What’s up?’ ‘I’m trying to pluck up the courage to call Sarah. We had a massive row, and not I’ve got knots in my stomach.’

 

9. idiom: Screw your courage to the sticking place.

literal meaning: Prepare yourself to do sth brave (crossbow metaphor – Lady Macbeth to Macbeth).

example: ‘Tomorrow’s the day of the concert. I’m so nervous about performing.’ ‘Screw your courage to the sticking place!‘ ‘Oh – you’re so dramatic, Albert!’

 

10. idiom: Be a man!

literal meaning: Act like a man, according to the stereotype of strong, decisive masculine behaviour.

example: ‘Can you get rid of this spider for me? It’s huge.’ ‘Can’t you do it? Use a shoe. I’m, er, terrified of spiders.’ ‘Oh, Simon! Be a man – for goodness’ sake!’

Back to top: Practice 20 English idioms of courage

11. idiom: Need a little Dutch courage.

literal meaning: Dutch courage = alcohol, which is drunk to give courage before a difficult encounter.

example: ‘Dad, why are you drinking beer at four in the afternoon?’ ‘I need a little Dutch courage before your mother gets back from the shops.’ ‘Why?’ ‘We had a massive row this morning.’

 

12. idiom: Faint heart never won fair maiden.

literal meaning: You won’t achieve your dreams unless you are brave.

example: ‘I want to ask Betty out for drink, but I’m scared she’ll reject me.’ ‘Come on, lad. Be brave! Faint heart never won fair maiden.’

 

13. idiom: It’s now or never!

literal meaning: Either do it now or just forget about doing it.

example: ‘Look, you wanted to go sky-diving in the first place! Just jump, Annabel! It’s now or never!

 

14. idiom: Be as bold as brass.

literal meaning: Be very confident / bold to the point of being brazen (shameless).

example: ‘Look – just tell the tutor that she’s wrong and that your assignment deserves a higher mark. Go up to her – bold as brass – and demand that she re-marks it!’

 

15. idiom: [Don’t] lose your nerve.

literal meaning: Concentrate on being brave; don’t turn back from doing a difficult thing; or ‘lose your nerve’ = not do a difficult thing due to fear.

example: ‘We need to keep going until we reach the top of the mountain ridge. We can’t go back now. There’s no way back. Don’t look down – and don’t lose your nerve!

 

16. idiom: Take a lot of guts to do sth.

literal meaning: This particular act requires a lot of bravery.

example: ‘After three days, little Brian finally went to the headteacher and told her that it was he who had broken the school grand piano. You know, it took a lot of guts to do that.’ ‘I know.’

 

17. idiom: Never say die!

literal meaning: Don’t give up!

example: ‘I think that was our band’s final performance. It was dire and we need to call it a day [end the band].’ ‘Hey! Don’t give up, man! Your band will play again – it has to! Never say die!

 

18. idiom: Don’t talk the talk unless you can walk the walk.

literal meaning: Don’t boast about doing something brave and then back out of doing it.

example: ‘I don’t see what’s so great about the military… I could do what they do. It’s not that hard to fly out to some foreign land and mess about with guns…’ ‘Hey! Don’t talk the talk unless you can walk the walk.

 

19. idiom: Discretion is the better part of valour.

literal meaning: Sometimes it is better to avoid conflict rather than to confront it bravely.

example: ‘No! Don’t stop me! I’m gonna go and talk to those neighbours about their bratty kids –  makin’ a noise all day and sprayin’ graffiti everywhere.’ ‘I wouldn’t be too rash, Harold. Remember – discretion is the better part of valour.’

 

20. idiom: Bravery is being the only one who knows you’re afraid.’ – Franklin P. Jones.

literal meaning: You are being truly brave when nobody else realises how afraid you are.

example: ‘When your kid’s afraid of the thunderstorm in the night, it’s your duty to comfort him and tell him it’s alright – even if you’re a little scared as well. As the saying goes, ‘Bravery is being the only one who knows you’re afraid.

Back to top: Practice 20 English idioms of courage


This material is completely free to use, so please feel free to share it widely!

If you have any feedback about these free resources, we’d love to hear from you! Please leave a comment or review below or on Facebook or Twitter.


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