 there is one lesson we can take above all others. That is to enjoy ourselves. And what can be more fun than talking about 

 In English we have a made-up word that is really appropriate for this article. We call it 

 and this word means ‘love’ but said in a mushy, overly romantic way. Often, the word is accompanied by a cheesy (funnily fake) smile and a raising of the eyebrows.

; funny idioms, romantic idioms, soppy idioms; all love idioms.

Here are some examples, with their meaning and when to use them.

To hold a deep and absolute love for a person. A deeply loving phrase, said quietly over a romantic dinner, while holding the hand of your partner, and looking seriously into their eyes, saying ‘

 a promise that the person will be your only and lifelong love.  To be said by candlelight, or perhaps to offer reassurance after an argument: ‘

You’re my one (pause, and nod seriously) and only.

To experience deep, sudden and absolute love for someone. That kind of love that occupies every waking hour (except, maybe, when the football’s on). This a strong term that can be used by one person to another, or by a third person describing love between two others: 

‘I’ve fallen head over heels in love with you’, ‘They have fallen head over heels in love.’

Improve your English grammar, vocabulary and more with 

To become obsessed by.  To think about all the time: ‘I’ve been smitten with you since I first saw you on the bus.’ It is a phrase often said early in a relationship, especially when the couple have known each other for a while but have only just had their first date.

In other words, to be so in love that breathing is impossible. This phrase can 

 be used when having a close romantic smooch (a close dance, with lots of physical contact) to ‘Take My Breath Away’ by Berlin. At any other time, saying it is illegal. Picture the scene: music plays, arms wrap around each other; ‘You take my breath away,’ is breathed romantically into an ear.

Actually, it’s not illegal to say it at other times. The phrase is perfect for when somebody dresses up to go out, or on one of those intimate moments, such as waking up together in the morning.

Idioms to Describe the Love of Others, or Love other than Romantic

While these can be said by one person to another, they are normally used by a third person when describing the love of others.

A relationship that is certain to succeed. It is often used by newspapers when two celebrities fall in love or announce their engagement: ‘Harry and Meghan are a match made in heaven.’ Beware, this phrase can also be used sarcastically, when the break-up of a couple has seemed inevitable: ‘I always said that they were a match made in heaven!’ When saying this, there is a small pause before the word ‘match’, and the pitch of this word is slightly dropped, to show that the speaker is being ironic.

This expresses a kind of warm love, the sort a father might hold for his daughter, or a mother towards her son: ‘You are the apple of my eye,’ in other words, I love you deeply – but not sexually!

When something is crushed, it is squashed completely flat. However, having a ‘crush on someone’ means that they are really attracted to a person. The phrase is often said by a third person to the subject of the crush: ‘Bill’s got a real crush on you.’

This is usually said by one person to another about a third party, as it is slightly comic and revealing of our innermost feelings, something the British are not good at sharing. However, it can also be a chat up line: ‘I really fancy Jackie. Do you think she’ll go out with me?’

When you go out with someone, usually you stay in. Which is rather confusing. The term means initially to go on a date, but then for the relationship to progress beyond that date. In other words, spending lots of time together. ‘Will you go out with me?’ or ‘I’m going out with Julie. I’m so lucky.’

This is a counter phrase to a love idiom but needs to be mentioned here. The word ‘dump’ means to discard carelessly or without much feeling. When a relationship ends, there is usually sadness on both sides. However, by using a word with such a dismissive literal meaning, the speaker is really hiding their true feelings and needs a cuddle rather than a smile: ‘I’ve been dumped!’.

12. Love me, love my dog and love me, warts and all

In other words, to love a person – including their faults. These phrases might be said during a minor argument, such as when one person annoys the other: ‘Love me, love my dog!’ said by the person who has done the annoying or, said by the person who is being annoyed: ‘I love you, warts and all.’

The question being, ‘Will you marry me?’ This is, of course, the most important love idiom of all. Usually the phrase is said to a third person by the one who is making the proposal: ‘I popped the question to Louise last night. She said …’

But we haven’t got time to find out whether we’re heading off to a wedding!

Please include attribution to English Live with this graphic. <a href=’https://englishlive.ef.com/blog/english-in-the-real-world/love-idioms/’><img src=’//a.storyblok.com/f/252228/1a25fea8e0/en_2019_02_n2.png’ alt=’Infographic Love Idioms’ 540px border=’0′ /></a>

Fall in Love with these love idioms and phrases

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Lyric writing is a tricky business. Finding words that convey exactly what the songwriter feels, while fitting into a certain melody and tempo, the sound of the word

10 most famous English song lyrics ever - and their meaning

Lyric writing is a tricky business. Finding words that convey exactly what the
songwriter feels, while fitting into a certain melody and tempo, the sound of
the word

10 most famous English song lyrics ever - and their meaning | EF English Live

If you’re looking for a challenging situation to practice your English, just pick up the telephone. Not being able to see the person you’re talking to and the body language they’re using can make chatting on the phone one of the most difficult forms of communication. Never fear, though! We’ve compiled some tips to guide you through an average telephone conversation in English.

Every phone call should begin with a polite greeting such as, 

. Even if you’re calling a business contact for a specific purpose, it’d be rude to jump right into business without a little small talk at the beginning.

There always comes the point, however, where you want to move on from friendly banter and get down to business. For this situation, use the phrase 

 to transition to the topic at hand. For example, 

I’m just calling to see if you’d like to set up a meeting.

 If the situation is reversed, however, and you are waiting to find out why someone called you, you can guide the conversation by saying, 

If you happen to be speaking with a very talkative person, it may be difficult to 

 or contribute to the conversation. If someone is going on and on, and you’d like to interrupt, be sure to do it politely. For example, begin with 

I would like to say something here, if I may

If you’re making plans on the phone, be sure to confirm the details toward the end of the call. Begin with phrases like 

So, let me make sure I’ve got things straight…

 and follow up with the details as you understand them.

Sometimes this can be the trickiest part of the conversation! It may be the time to offer some good wishes, such as 

 if it’s appropriate. Additionally, you may want to confirm any plans you’ve made: 

 Sometimes it’s easiest to just say you enjoyed speaking to the other person. Also, keep in mind that strategically saying the word 

 at the beginning of a sentence can indicate that you are ready to end the conversation: 

Well John, it’s been a pleasure talking to you.

Telephone English phrases and tips to help you master using the phone in English

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