10 English Idioms and Expressions Celebrating Love

Do you know what love is? Everyone would answer that question differently.

For many, love embodies care, affection, and a deep understanding of one another. For others, it’s about cherishing their partner as their “better half,” embracing selflessness, and wanting to share every moment with the one they adore.

Mastering English online involves more than just vocabulary and grammar; grasping idioms is essential to truly understand the language. We’ve explored various idiomatic expressions related to friendship, time, knowledge, food, and business. Now, let’s dive into ten captivating idioms that revolve around love. Some of these may be familiar to you, while others could offer fresh insights!

Love is a fundamental aspect of our lives, much like friendship. It serves as a powerful theme that inspires countless poems, songs, and movies, reflecting its deep significance in human experience.

It penetrates into our lives and fundamentally changes it. Love not only inspires, but it also has destructive power.

Well, okay, let’s not go into psychology and philosophy.

What sayings do English speakers use when talking about love? Let’s take a look.

Are you learning a language for love? You’ll enjoy reading about how these romantic bilinguals did it!

Love Idioms: 10 English Phrases and Expressions About Love

Let’s start with perhaps the best known and most common idiom about love:

1. The love of my life

As you have already guessed, this means “the person I love the most in my life.”

For example:

• Jim and Lidia have shared nearly 40 years together, with Jim calling Lidia the love of his life.
•         It’s so wonderful to be the love of somebody’s life, isn’t it?

Another way to express this sentiment is the idiom “fall head over heels,” which describes the experience of falling profoundly in love.

2. Love is blind

When we fall in love, we don’t notice the flaws and shortcomings of the other person.

For example:

•         Have you seen Mike’s new girlfriend? Love is blind I must say.
•         Angela had crossed eyes and bowed legs, but Bubba doesn’t see it: love is blind.

The phrase “love at first sight” describes the intense and immediate attraction someone can feel for another person, often without any prior knowledge about them. It captures that magical moment when sparks fly, and emotions ignite in an instant.

3. A face only a mother could love

We always look young and beautiful to our mother.

No matter if you experience a sudden breakout of pimples or the first signs of wrinkles, your mother will always see you as her most beautiful child. Her unwavering love ensures that your unique beauty shines through, regardless of any imperfections.

Nevertheless, this idiom in English means “not very attractive.”

For example:

•         My favourite boxer has a face only a mother could love.
•         Despite the fact that she has a face only a mother could love, she is the best girl for me.

4. All’s fair in love and war

There are no rules when it comes to love and finding someone to love. Do you agree?

For example:

•         Bob sent Betty flowers even though she is dating Bill. All’s fair in love and war.
•         Alice thinks that all’s fair in love and war, so she started flirting with a rich married man.

5. Love makes the world go round

This idiom in English means that love is the principal force in human life.

For example:

•         I wish the nations would stop fighting: it’s love that makes the world go round.
•         I believe that love makes the world go round. Don’t you think so?

6. Love-hate relationship

This situation often describes a couple who, despite having lost their emotional connection, continue to live together out of routine and familiarity.

Or, perhaps the couple cannot go even one day without arguing, but they still love each other.

Some people consider this kind of relationship completely normal.

For example:

•         Jake’s friends wonder why he’s still together with Mary: they have a love-hate relationship for sure.

7. Make love, not war

You might recall the famous line from John Lennon’s song, “Make love, not war.” This catchy phrase has become a popular English idiom that can be applied in various contexts, encouraging peace and connection over conflict.

For example:

•         Stop fighting you two! Make love, not war.
•         I guess this argument is senseless. Let’s make love, not war!

8. Puppy love

This idiom in English refers to love between young people that isn’t serious; infatuation.

For example:

•         Look at them, it must be puppy love!
•         My brother started dating a girl, but mum says it’s just puppy love and it’ll pass soon.

9. Love will find a way

The ninth idiom on our list conveys a powerful message: when two people truly love each other, they will overcome any obstacles to be together, no matter how challenging the journey may be.

For example:

• Vivian and Steve reunited after six years apart and tied the knot, proving that true love always finds a way.

10. Absence makes the heart grow fonder

The last idiom in our list means that people’s feelings for each other grow stronger when they are apart.

An idiom that conveys a contrasting idea is “familiarity breeds contempt.” This phrase suggests that when individuals spend excessive time in each other’s company, it can lead to growing resentment or dislike.

We could discuss this subject for a long time, couldn’t we?

For example:

•         To calm me down, he told me that absence makes the heart grow fonder. It’s hard to believe!

That’s all.

Love and appreciate your other half, and tell them often how you feel.

P.S. Happy Valentine’s Day! Make love, not war!

Don’t forget to Like and Share. 😉

Need help improving your English skills?
Check out our guide on How to learn English!