Whether you’re talking about your crush, your partner, or your ex who still owes you money, English has no shortage of romantic idioms.
They’re charming, cheeky, and perfect for conversation practice — just maybe not on a first date.
Here are 15 romantic idioms with clear meanings and real examples.
💞 15 Love & Relationship Idioms
Head over heels
Completely in love.
He’s head over heels for her — it’s actually quite sweet.
Love at first sight
To fall in love instantly.
It was love at first sight when they met in Paris.
The apple of someone’s eye
Someone very precious or loved.
His daughter is the apple of his eye.
Have a crush on someone
To be infatuated with someone.
I’ve had a crush on my gym instructor for months.
Pop the question
To propose marriage.
After five years together, he finally popped the question.
Tie the knot
To get married.
They tied the knot in a small countryside ceremony.
Made for each other
Perfectly suited or compatible.
You two are made for each other — it’s ridiculous.
Go Dutch
Each person pays for themselves on a date.
We went Dutch — equality and all that.
Butterflies in your stomach
To feel nervous or excited.
I still get butterflies every time I see her.
On the rocks
A relationship that is in trouble.
Things have been a bit on the rocks lately.
Kiss and make up
To forgive after an argument.
We had a massive row, but we kissed and made up.
Break someone’s heart
To make someone very sad.
She broke his heart when she moved abroad.
Be seeing someone
To be dating or in a relationship.
Are you seeing anyone at the moment?
Go your separate ways
To end a relationship.
After university, they decided to go their separate ways.
Love is blind
When you don’t see your partner’s flaws.
She can’t see that he’s a disaster — love is blind.
So there you go — a little romance, a few heartbreaks, and plenty of new phrases to sweeten your English.