Marriage is a profound union that shapes the narrative of many lives, blending two stories into a singular journey. This blog post explores twenty idioms that metaphorically depict the myriad experiences and phases of marriage, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of matrimonial life.
Idioms That Describe Marriage
1. Tie the knot
Meaning: Get married.
Example: They decided to tie the knot next summer.
2. On the rocks
Meaning: Struggling in a relationship.
Example: Their marriage is on the rocks lately.
3. A match made in heaven
Meaning: A perfect relationship.
Example: Their love is a match made in heaven.
4. The old ball and chain
Meaning: A term for a spouse, humorously implying a burden.
Example: He joked about his old ball and chain.
5. Jump the broom
Meaning: To get married (originally a slave wedding tradition).
Example: They jumped the broom joyously.
6. Give someone’s hand
Meaning: Agree to marry.
Example: She gave her hand at the altar.
7. Wear the pants
Meaning: To be the decision-maker in the relationship.
Example: She definitely wears the pants at home.
8. Better half
Meaning: One’s spouse, often more sensible or likable.
Example: His better half is always polite.
9. Walk down the aisle
Meaning: To get married.
Example: They walked down the aisle last June.
10. Made for each other
Meaning: Perfectly suited as a couple.
Example: They are truly made for each other.
11. Kiss and make up
Meaning: Resolve an argument and reconcile.
Example: They always kiss and make up quickly.
12. Splice the mainbrace
Meaning: Celebrate, especially after a wedding (nautical term).
Example: Let’s splice the mainbrace for their union!
13. Two peas in a pod
Meaning: Very similar or well-suited together.
Example: As a couple, they’re two peas in a pod.
14. Play house
Meaning: To pretend to be a domestic couple.
Example: They loved playing house as kids.
15. Put a ring on it
Meaning: To propose marriage.
Example: He finally decided to put a ring on it.
16. Settle down
Meaning: To begin a quieter life in a stable relationship.
Example: They’re ready to settle down together.
17. Hitched
Meaning: Colloquial term for getting married.
Example: They got hitched in a small ceremony.
18. In the doghouse
Meaning: In trouble with one’s spouse.
Example: He’s been in the doghouse all week.
19. Lovey-dovey
Meaning: Displaying affection openly.
Example: They’re always so lovey-dovey in public.
20. Build a life together
Meaning: To develop a shared life through marriage.
Example: They began to build a life together.
