English Idioms for Relationships

Idioms are important for English learners because they make your English sound more fluent and natural...

Hayley Morris English Teacher at i-Speak English

Found and Head Teacher

Idioms and Slang

Today, we're going to learn 5 English idioms for talking about relationships. But first, let’s talk a bit about why idioms are such a big deal.

Why Learn Idioms?

Idioms are phrases where the meanings cannot beunderstood simply by looking at the words themselves. They involve history, culture, and humor of the language, offering a snapshot of a society’s values and beliefs. For learners and speakers of English, mastering idioms is a crucial step towards sounding more native, because idioms pepper everyday conversations, and understanding them can prevent misunderstandings. Plus, they're just plain fun!

Now, let's study our relationship-themed idioms, their meanings, their origins, and see them in action through examples!

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Idiom 1: Bury the Hatchet

Meaning: To make peace with someone, to resolve a conflict or dispute, and to stop fighting.

Origin: This idiom dates back to early Native American culture where it was customary for tribes to bury their weapons (like hatchets) as a sign of peace during negotiations.

Examples in Context:

After years of rivalry, the two company CEOs decided to bury the hatchet and collaborate on a new project.

It’s high time you and Jesse bury the hatchet. Holding onto old grudges isn’t helping either of you.

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Idiom 2: Tie the Knot

Meaning: To get married.

Origin: This phrase likely originates from an ancient custom in several cultures where a knot was tied to symbolize the binding of a couple's hands during wedding ceremonies, representing their union.

Examples in Context:

Did you hear? Mark and Julie finally decided to tie the knot next summer in Hawaii!

Many couples prefer to live together for a few years before they decide to tie the knot.

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Learn these idioms in more detail on my Youtube channel!

Idiom 3: Smooth Things Over

Meaning: To try to resolve difficulties or relieve tension in a relationship by calming the situation and making it less confrontational.

Origin: The imagery involved in this idiom suggests smoothing over a rough surface, making it even and easy again, similar to calming troubled waters.

Examples in Context:

After the misunderstanding, he brought her flowers to try and smooth things over.

I hope this apology will smooth things over between us. I never meant to cause any hurt.

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RELATED: THE ULTIMATE IDIOMS GUIDE VIDEO COURSE

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Idiom 4: Give Someone the Cold Shoulder

Meaning: To deliberately ignore someone or treat them in an unfriendly way.

Origin: This phrase comes from a bygone custom of serving a cold shoulder of meat to unwanted guests to subtly communicate that they should leave.

Examples in Context:

Whenever I try to start a conversation, she just gives me the cold shoulder. I wonder what I did wrong.

It’s heartbreaking, but I think it’s better to give him the cold shoulder rather than endure his constant criticisms.

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5. Burn Bridges

Meaning: To destroy one's path, connections, or relationships, making it impossible to go back.

Origin: This metaphorical expression alludes to military tactics where soldiers would destroy bridges behind them to prevent the enemy from following them.

Examples in Context:

Quitting your job in such a dramatic way might burn bridges, you should leave in a better way.

He’s always been the kind of person who burns bridges with friends and colleagues, which is why he often finds himself alone.

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Why These Idioms Are Handy

Understanding and using idioms like these can not only make your English more colorful but also more nuanced. They allow you to express complex emotional states succinctly and vividly, making your language more powerful and expressive, especially when talking about complex topics like relationships.

So, the next time you find yourself needing to make up with a friend, celebrating someone’s upcoming wedding, or dealing with social snubs, whip out these idioms and watch how they transform your conversations, adding depth and cultural texture. Whether you’re looking to smooth things over or sadly need to acknowledge that it’s time to burn bridges, these idioms will helpyou to handle various relational dynamics with fluency!

Remember, language isn’t just about grammar and vocabulary; it’s about connecting with people—sometimes it means to bury the hatchet, and other times, to tie the knot. Happy conversing!

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