English idioms: Relationships
14 idioms with meanings and example sentences, plus where many of them come from.
blood is thicker than waterfamily bonds and loyalty are stronger than other relationships or commitments.Even after their argument, she showed up to help her brother move because blood is thicker than water.Origin: An old proverb, in use since at least the 16th century, emphasizing that family ties take priority over friendships or other loyalties.
burn bridgesto permanently damage a relationship so that reconciliation becomes impossible.He quit his job by yelling at his boss, burning bridges he might need later.Origin: Comes from the military tactic of destroying a bridge behind an advancing army so there is no way to retreat.
give someone the cold shoulderto deliberately ignore someone or treat them with unfriendliness.Ever since the disagreement, she's been giving her roommate the cold shoulder.Origin: Possibly from the old custom of serving welcome guests a hot meal but giving unwelcome ones a cold shoulder of meat.
kiss and make upto reconcile with someone after a quarrel or falling out.The two sisters fought over the weekend, but by Monday they had kissed and made up.Origin: A common casual phrase used since the early 20th century for friendly or romantic reconciliation, often with a light or joking tone.
have a falling outto have a serious disagreement that damages or ends a relationship.The best friends had a falling out over money and haven't spoken in years.Origin: Uses 'fall out' in the older sense of quarreling, dating back to at least the 16th century.
stab someone in the backto betray a friend, family member, or ally, often secretly.She felt stabbed in the back when her coworker took credit for her idea.Origin: A vivid image of attacking someone from behind, implying betrayal by someone trusted rather than an open enemy.
wear your heart on your sleeveto openly show your emotions, especially in romantic or personal matters.He wears his heart on his sleeve, so everyone could tell he was falling for her.Origin: Believed to come from medieval jousting knights tying a lady's token to their sleeve, openly displaying their affection.
bury the hatchetto make peace and end a conflict or feud with someone.After years of not speaking, the brothers finally decided to bury the hatchet at their mother's funeral.Origin: Refers to a Native American custom of literally burying a tomahawk as a symbol of peace between former enemies.
give someone the benefit of the doubtto trust that someone's intentions are good even without full proof.Her friend was late again, but she gave her the benefit of the doubt and assumed traffic was bad.Origin: Rooted in legal language, where doubt about guilt is resolved in favor of the accused; extended to everyday trust in relationships.
there's no love lost between themtwo people strongly dislike each other.There's no love lost between the two neighbors after their dispute over the fence.Origin: An ironic phrase, since it means the opposite of affection despite mentioning 'love'; in use since the 16th century.
make amendsto do something to correct a wrong and repair a damaged relationship.He wrote a heartfelt letter to make amends with his estranged father.Origin: From the older meaning of 'amend' as to fix or improve, used since medieval English for repairing wrongdoing.
till death do us parta solemn promise to stay committed to someone for the rest of one's lifeThey wrote their own vows but kept the line 'till death do us part' from the traditional version.Origin: From the traditional Christian wedding vow in the Book of Common Prayer, first published in 1549.
dote onto show excessive love, fondness, and attention toward someoneHer grandparents dote on her, spoiling her with gifts every visit.Origin: From the older verb 'dote', meaning to be foolishly fond, used in English since medieval times.
didn't have the heart toto be unwilling to do or say something because it would be unkind or upsettingShe didn't have the heart to tell him the trip was cancelled.Origin: Uses 'heart' in its long-standing sense as the seat of courage and feeling, common in English since at least the 16th century.
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