Fall Head Over Heals For These Idioms About Love

Sometimes love can be a little illogical, and the phrases we use to describe it even more so. Here are some common idioms about love and their origins, so maybe at least the idioms make a little more sense.

Falling Head Over Heels In Love

Meaning: To be very excited (usually in regard to love)

Example: Anna fell head over heels in love with her new puppy. 

Origin: While being head over heels now means someone who had fallen crazy in love with someone, when it was first coined, it just referred to being extremely excited. Most likely, this phrase came about because of people who did cartwheels to show this excitement, so next time you fall in love, you may do a cartwheel to show how excited you are. Then you will literally be head over heels. 

Take My Breath Away

Meaning: to astonish, surprise, or amaze someone

Example: Your beauty took my breath away. I have never seen someone as beautiful as you.

Origin: This origin is a bit more cut and dry. “Taking your breath away” comes from gasping or losing one’s breath when one sees someone or something so beautiful.  

A Match Made in Heaven

Meaning: a perfect couple

Example: Andrew and Anna are a match made in heaven. They are so cute together. 

Origin: While the exact origin of this phrase is not known, it is thought to be from the idea that divine forces are involved in the creation and compatibility of perfect couples and in orchestrating their meeting. 

To Be the Apple of My Eye

Meaning: someone that you love above all others; your favorite person or thing

Example: My wife is the apple of my eye.

Origin: The first recorded use of this phrases dates all the way back to the ninth century in King Aelfred of Wesses’ Gregory’s Pastoral Care. However, it was most likely used conversationally before that. At this time, the pupil was called the apple of the eye because people of that day believed that the pupil was a round, solid object like an apple. Given how notorious medicine was back in that time, having good eyesight was highly valued and precious, so the prase “apple of my eye” turned into a metaphor for something precious, too. 

Throughout history, this phrase has been used in several notable places like in the King James version of the Bible in Psalms and in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. 

Lovey-Dovey

Meaning: being loving or affectionate (often used in a mocking way)

Example: I am so sick of being around my brother and his girlfriend. They are so lovey-dovey with each other. 

Origin: The exact origins of this idiom are unclear, but it has been around since the 19th century. It possibly could have originated from rhyming love with dove. Doves also are seen as a symbol of love and marriage since people associate them with mating for life, so that could also be a piece of the explanation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are love idioms and why are they used?

Love idioms are phrases that convey feelings of love and romance in a figurative way. They are often used to express emotions in a more creative and relatable manner, adding depth to conversations about love.

Can you explain the origin of the phrase “head over heels”?

The phrase “head over heels” originally described someone who was extremely excited, not necessarily in love. It likely stems from the imagery of people doing cartwheels, where one’s head literally goes over their heels, symbolizing excitement.

Are these idioms applicable in everyday conversations?

Yes, these idioms can be seamlessly integrated into everyday conversations, especially when discussing feelings of love and affection. They add a poetic touch and can help convey emotions more vividly.

How can I incorporate these idioms into my writing?

You can use these idioms to enhance your storytelling or poetry, making your expressions about love more engaging. Try incorporating them in romantic letters or social media posts to capture the essence of your feelings.

Is there a specific idiom for expressing unrequited love?

While there isn’t a single idiom specifically for unrequited love, phrases like “love from afar” or “pining for someone” capture the essence of longing without reciprocation. Each idiom can help articulate complex emotions associated with unrequited love.