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1-
to tie the knot
2-
to rob the cradle
3-
to pop the question
4-
to leave somebody at the altar
5-
to get hitched
6-
on the shelf
7-
to take the plunge
8-
to marry money
9-
to make an honest woman (out) of somebody
10-
starter marriage
to [tie] the knot
To tie the knot
[ phrase ]
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/tˈaɪ ðə nˈɑːt/
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Idiom
Informal

to become someone's husband or wife in marriage

example
Example
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After dating for five years, they decided to tie the knot next summer.
The couple tied the knot in a beautiful beachside ceremony.
What is the origin of the idiom "tie the knot" and when to use it?

The exact origin of the phrase "tie the knot" is uncertain but it is believed to have originated from the imagery of tying a knot to represent the joining together of two individuals in marriage. Metaphorically, the act of tying a knot is often associated with making a secure and unbreakable bond or commitment. This notion is applied to the context of marriage, symbolizing the union and lifelong commitment between two people. This phrase is commonly used to refer to the act of marriage.

to [rob] the cradle
To rob the cradle
[ phrase ]
uk flag
/ɹˈɑːb ðə kɹˈeɪdəl/
Disapproving
Idiom
Informal

to get married with or date someone who is much younger than one

What is the origin of the idiom "rob the cradle" and when to use it?

The idiom "rob the cradle" originated in the early 19th century and draws upon the imagery of a cradle, which is a small bed for an infant. The term "rob" in this context conveys the idea of taking or stealing something that belongs to someone else. This idiom is typically used to comment on relationships where there is a significant age difference between the two individuals involved. It often carries a negative or judgmental connotation, implying that the older partner is engaging in a relationship that may be deemed inappropriate or questionable due to the age gap.

to [pop] the question
To pop the question
[ phrase ]
uk flag
/pˈɑːp ðə kwˈɛstʃən/
Idiom
Informal

to propose someone to join one in marriage

What is the origin of the idiom "pop the question" and when to use it?

The origin of the phrase "pop the question" dates back to the 19th century and is related to the tradition of marriage proposals. The word "pop" in this context means to ask or propose, while "the question" refers to the marriage proposal itself. This phrase is commonly used to refer to the act of proposing marriage. It implies a sense of anticipation, excitement, and marks an important moment in a romantic relationship

to [leave] {sb} at the altar
To leave somebody at the altar
[ phrase ]
uk flag
/lˈiːv ˌɛsbˈiː æt ðɪ ˈɑːltɚ/
Disapproving
Idiom
Informal

to abandon the person one is supposed to marry at the last possible moment before the ceremony

What is the origin of the idiom "leave someone at the altar" and when to use it?

The phrase "leave someone at the altar" is derived from the traditional wedding ceremony where the couple exchanges vows and gets married. The "altar" refers to the elevated platform or area in a church or wedding venue where the marriage ceremony takes place. The phrase specifically refers to a situation where one partner, usually the groom, fails to appear or backs out of the wedding ceremony, leaving the other person alone at the altar.

to [get] hitched
To get hitched
[ phrase ]
uk flag
/ɡɛt hˈɪtʃt/
Idiom
Informal

to become someone's husband or wife during a special ceremony

What is the origin of the idiom "get hitched" and when to use it?

The origin of the phrase "get hitched" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. The word "hitch" originally meant to fasten or join something together, and it gradually evolved to be associated with marriage or a committed relationship. This phrase is commonly used to refer to the act of getting married, especially in casual conversations or informal settings.

on the shelf
On the shelf
[ phrase ]
uk flag
/ɑːnðə ʃˈɛlf/
Idiom
Informal
Old use

used to refer to a woman who is unmarried despite being older than the typical age traditionally associated with marriage

What is the origin of the idiom "on the shelf" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "on the shelf" can be traced back to the practice of placing items, particularly books, on a shelf for storage or display. Over time, the phrase took on a figurative meaning when applied to people, particularly unmarried women, who were considered past the typical age for marriage. It is used to describe someone, especially a woman, who is not married and is seen as being too old to get married. the phrase "on the shelf" can be considered somewhat old-fashioned. It reflects traditional societal expectations and judgments related to age and marriage.

to [take] the plunge
To take the plunge
[ phrase ]
uk flag
/tˈeɪk ðə plˈʌndʒ/
Idiom
Informal

to become someone's wife or husband during a special ceremony

What is the origin of the idiom "take the plunge" and when to use it?

The phrase is thought to have originated in the 19th century, when it was used to describe diving into water from a high place, symbolizing a bold and decisive action. When applied to marriage, "taking the plunge" refers to the moment when individuals decide to commit to a lifelong partnership and embark on the journey of marriage. This idiom used to describe the act of getting married. It implies a significant and life-changing decision to enter into a marital union. The phrase conveys a sense of bravery, readiness, and willingness to start a lifelong commitment.

to [marry] money
To marry money
[ phrase ]
uk flag
/mˈæɹi mˈʌni/
Disapproving
Idiom
Informal

to marry someone primarily for their wealth or financial status rather than for love or other personal reasons

What is the origin of the idiom "marry money" and when to use it?

The phrase is thought to have originated in the 19th century, when it was used to describe wealthy women who married men for their money. The phrase is now used in a more general sense to describe any instance of someone marrying for money. It is considered to be a negative or disapproving phrase, and it is often used to describe someone who is considered to be materialistic or superficial.

to [make] an honest woman (out|) of {sb}
To make an honest woman (out) of somebody
[ phrase ]
uk flag
/mˌeɪk ɐn ˈɑːnɪst wˈʊmən ˈaʊt ʌv ˌɛsbˈiː/
Humorous
Idiom
Old use

to get married with a girl or woman one has been dating

What is the origin of the idiom "make an honest woman of one" and when to use it?

The idiom "make an honest woman of one" is thought to have originated in the 16th century, when it was used to describe the act of marrying a woman who had been living with a man without being married. The phrase is derived from the idea that marriage is a way to make a woman "honest" or respectable. In the past, it was considered to be shameful for a woman to be unmarried, and marriage was seen as a way to protect her reputation and ensure her future. The phrase "make an honest woman of someone" can be considered old-fashioned. It reflects traditional societal expectations and values regarding marriage and women's morality.

starter marriage
Starter marriage
[ noun ]
uk flag
/stˈɑːɹɾɚ mˈæɹɪdʒ/
Idiom
Informal

a relatively short-lived first marriage that serves as a learning experience for one or both partners

What is the origin of the idiom "starter marriage" and when to use it?

The phrase is thought to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century, as a way to describe a first marriage that is relatively short-lived and ends in divorce. It can be used to describe a pattern where individuals have multiple marriages over their lifetime, with their first one being seen as the first experience.

Grammatical Information:

compound noun

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