The idiom "play hard to get" originates from the world of dating and relationships. It is based on the observation that people are often more attracted to those who seem less available or not as interested. It is used to refer to someone who adopts a deliberate approach of appearing uninterested or less accessible to someone who is expressing romantic or sexual interest. This strategy aims to create an element of challenge or pursuit, with the belief that it can increase the other person's desire or interest.

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

to [play] hard to get

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The idiom "make the first move" is believed to have originated in the 19th century. It is thought to be a reference to the idea of making the first move in a game of chess, which is to move one's own piece before the opponent. In the context of romance, the idiom means to take the initiative and make it clear that one is interested in someone.

What is the origin of the idiom "make the first move" and when to use it?

to [make] the first move

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The term "pick-up line" is believed to have originated in the early 20th century, specifically referring to a clever or witty line used to initiate romantic or flirtatious interactions with women. It stems from the concept of "picking up" or successfully engaging with a woman by employing a clever or humorous remark. It is used in social settings as a way to initiate conversation and display romantic or sexual interest in someone.

What is the origin of the idiom "pick-up line" and when to use it?

pick-up line

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The idiom "throw oneself at someone" is believed to have originated in the 18th century. It is thought to be a reference to the idea of throwing oneself at someone's feet, as if in supplication. The idiom has since come to mean to make oneself available to someone romantically, often in a way that is considered to be too obvious or desperate.

What is the origin of the idiom "throw oneself at someone" and when to use it?

to [throw] {oneself} at {sb}

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The idiom "make a move on someone" is believed to have originated in the 19th century. It is thought to be a reference to the idea of making a physical move on someone, such as by touching them or kissing them. The idiom has since come to mean to make an attempt to pursue someone romantically, either physically or verbally.

What is the origin of the idiom "make a move on someone" and when to use it?

to [make] a move on {sb}

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The idiom "win one's heart" has its origin rooted in the concept of love and affection. It metaphorically describes the process of gaining someone's love or deep emotional attachment. The origin of this phrase can be traced back to the belief that love is a valuable prize that needs to be earned or "won" through sincere and genuine efforts. This expressiom is used to describe the act of gaining someone's love, affection, or emotional attachment. It often implies a deliberate effort to make a favorable and lasting impression on someone, often through acts of kindness, sincerity, and genuine connection.

What is the origin of the idiom "win one's heart" and when to use it?

to [win|capture|steal] {one's} heart

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The phrase "give someone the eye" originated in the early 20th century and is rooted in the observation that eye contact and non-verbal cues can be powerful means of communication, particularly in expressing romantic or sexual interest. It is used to describe the act of looking at someone with a suggestive or flirtatious intent. It implies using eye contact and body language to express attraction or interest in a subtle or playful manner.

What is the origin of the idiom "give someone the eye" and when to use it?

to [give] {sb} the glad eye

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Its origin is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the early 20th century. Some suggest that it may have come from the world of dance, where a partner may "sweep someone off their feet" during a particularly graceful and impressive dance move. Others suggest that it may be related to the traditional practice of carrying a bride over the threshold of a new home, which could also be seen as "sweeping her off her feet". Regardless of its origins, the phrase remains popular in modern usage and continues to be used to describe moments of intense attraction or admiration.

What is the origin of the idiom "sweep someone off one's feet" and when to use it?

to [sweep] {sb} off {one's} feet

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The exact origin of the phrase "charm the pants off someone" is not clear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. The phrase "charm" is used to describe the act of winning someone over with one's charisma or charm, while "pants off" is used to indicate the success of this endeavor, implying that the person has been so charmed that they have been won over completely. The phrase has since evolved to mean charming or winning over someone in any context, not just in a romantic or seductive way.

What is the origin of the idiom "charm the pants off someone" and when to use it?

to [charm] the pants off {sb}

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The phrase "have designs on someone" originated in the early 19th century and draws upon the imagery of planning or scheming to achieve a particular goal or desire. This idiom is used to express a strong sexual attraction or desire towards another person. It implies that the individual has intentions or aspirations of becoming involved with that person in a sexual capacity.

What is the origin of the idiom "have designs on someone" and when to use it?

to [have] designs on {sb}

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The phrase "have the hots for someone" originated in the mid-20th century as a slang expression. It is an idiomatic phrase that uses the word "hots" to describe intense feelings of attraction or desire towards someone. It suggests a stronger level of interest that goes beyond mere liking or admiration. The phrase conveys a strong sense of desire or longing, particularly in a romantic or sexual context.

What is the origin of the idiom "the hots for someone" and when to use it?

to [have|get] the hots for {sb}

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Master English idioms regarding romantic relationships, like "play hard to get" and "pick-up line".

English Idioms for "Romantic Relationships"