Written by Miranda González
It’s February, which means that stores in the U.S. are stocked extra full with roses, chocolates, and greeting cards. According to the National Retail Federation, 54 percent of Americans celebrate Valentine’s Day each February 14th. They buy presents to show their love and friendship for family members, co-workers, teachers, and especially spouses or boyfriends and girlfriends.
In fact, Business Insider claims that giving gifts is so important that 53 percent of American women would dump their boyfriends if they didn’t get them something on Valentine’s day. Ouch. But don’t worry, they don’t actually throw their boyfriends out in the garbage—”to dump someone” is just an idiom that means “to end a relationship with someone.” There are lots of other idioms that have to do with love and relationships, and Valentine’s is the perfect time of year to review them. Here are a few that will come in handy for V-Day.
To have a crush on someone – To like someone romantically before really knowing him or her well
Example: Angie has a huge crush on a guy in her English class. She wants to talk to him, but she is too scared.
A blind date – An arranged date where the two participants have never met or seen each other before
Example: Victor agreed to go on a blind date with one of his sister’s roommates.
To set someone up (on a date) – To arrange a date for someone else
Example: Mrs. Gallegos set her daughter up with her eye doctor.
To fall for someone / To fall in love with someone – To begin to love someone, usually in a short amount of time
Example: Uh-oh. I think Jessica is falling for her math teacher./ I think Jessica is falling in love with her math teacher.
To have the hots for someone - To be strongly attracted to someone
Example: I think Paul has the hots for Debbie. He always acts nervous around her.
Love is blind. – A phrase that means when you are in love with someone, you can’t see his or her defects
Example: We told Lisa that her boyfriend is lazy, but she doesn’t listen. Love is blind.
Lovey-dovey – Excessively and overtly affectionate, often to the annoyance of those around you
Example: Felix and Chrissy are always hugging and kissing in front of everyone. They’re so lovey-dovey.
To tie the knot – To get married
Example: Congratulations on your engagement! When are you two tying the knot?
To be on the rocks – To be having problems in a relationship
Example: I hope the Johnsons don’t get a divorce. I heard their marriage is on the rocks.
To be in the doghouse - To be in trouble for something that you did or didn’t do, which often applies to romantic relationships
Example: Scott forgot to get something for his wife on Valentine’s Day, so now he’s in the doghouse!
The post 10 Useful English Idioms for Valentine’s Day appeared first on Livemocha.