Marriage has always been one of the most important parts of human life, and naturally, it has given birth to countless sayings and expressions in English. Idioms are short, colorful phrases that carry meanings beyond their literal words.
They make language richer, more memorable, and much more fun to use. When it comes to marriage, idioms can describe love, commitment, challenges, and even humor around relationships.
Learning idioms for marriage is useful because they allow you to express emotions and ideas more naturally, just like native speakers do. Instead of saying “they had a great wedding,” you could say “they tied the knot,” which instantly makes your English sound more lively.
In conversations, speeches, or writing, marriage idioms add charm and depth. Whether you’re a student, an English learner, or simply someone who enjoys language, these idioms will help you talk about love and marriage in creative ways.
Did You Know?
The phrase “to tie the knot” comes from an ancient tradition where couples’ hands were literally tied together during wedding ceremonies to symbolize unity. That’s why even today, we use it to mean getting married.
Idioms About Getting Married
Tie the Knot
Meaning: To get married.
Example: After dating for five years, they finally decided to tie the knot.
Similar Idiom: Walk down the aisle.
Note: Common in both casual and formal settings.
Walk Down the Aisle
Meaning: To get married in a wedding ceremony.
Example: She can’t wait to walk down the aisle next summer.
Similar Idiom: Tie the knot.
Note: Mostly used in formal contexts related to weddings.
Get Hitched
Meaning: To get married, usually informally.
Example: They’re planning to get hitched in Las Vegas.
Similar Idiom: Tie the knot.
Note: Casual, humorous, often in everyday conversations.
Jump the Broom
Meaning: To get married, originating from African-American wedding tradition.
Example: They jumped the broom during their beautiful outdoor wedding.
Similar Idiom: Tie the knot.
Note: Often used in cultural or historical contexts.
Say “I Do”
Meaning: To agree to marry during the wedding ceremony.
Example: The moment she said “I do,” everyone cheered.
Similar Idiom: Exchange vows.
Note: Used in both storytelling and casual conversations.
Exchange Vows
Meaning: To promise commitment during a marriage ceremony.
Example: The couple exchanged vows under the starry sky.
Similar Idiom: Say “I do.”
Note: Formal, often in wedding contexts.
Wedding Bells are Ringing
Meaning: A marriage is about to happen.
Example: With their engagement announced, wedding bells are ringing.
Similar Idiom: Tie the knot.
Note: Romantic and poetic expression.
Marry into Money
Meaning: To marry someone wealthy.
Example: Some people say she married into money.
Similar Idiom: Gold-digger (though less polite).
Note: Casual, sometimes judgmental.
Shotgun Wedding
Meaning: A quick marriage, often because of an unexpected pregnancy.
Example: Rumors say it was a shotgun wedding.
Similar Idiom: Rushed wedding.
Note: Informal, sometimes humorous or critical.
Match Made in Heaven
Meaning: A perfect couple.
Example: Everyone says they’re a match made in heaven.
Similar Idiom: Perfect match.
Note: Romantic, often used by family and friends.
Idioms About Married Life
Ball and Chain
Meaning: A humorous or critical term for one’s spouse.
Example: He jokes about his wife being the ball and chain.
Similar Idiom: Old ball and chain.
Note: Informal, often used jokingly by men.
Better Half
Meaning: One’s spouse or partner.
Example: I’m bringing my better half to the party.
Similar Idiom: Other half.
Note: Polite, affectionate.
Other Half
Meaning: Spouse or life partner.
Example: His other half couldn’t make it tonight.
Similar Idiom: Better half.
Note: Friendly and informal.
Man and Wife
Meaning: Traditional way to announce a married couple.
Example: The officiant declared them man and wife.
Similar Idiom: Husband and wife.
Note: Formal, older usage.
Wear the Pants
Meaning: To be the dominant partner in a marriage.
Example: Everyone knows she wears the pants in that marriage.
Similar Idiom: Call the shots.
Note: Informal, everyday usage.
Happy Wife, Happy Life
Meaning: A husband should keep his wife happy for peace at home.
Example: He always says, “happy wife, happy life.”
Similar Idiom: Keep her sweet.
Note: Common humorous proverb.
Joined at the Hip
Meaning: A couple who are always together.
Example: They’re joined at the hip since they married.
Similar Idiom: Inseparable.
Note: Informal and affectionate.
Wedded Bliss
Meaning: Happiness in marriage.
Example: They’re enjoying their wedded bliss.
Similar Idiom: Marital bliss.
Note: Romantic, formal or casual.
Settle Down
Meaning: To marry and live a stable life.
Example: He finally decided to settle down.
Similar Idiom: Start a family.
Note: Used in both casual and formal speech.
The Honeymoon is Over
Meaning: The excitement of marriage has faded.
Example: After six months, the honeymoon was over.
Similar Idiom: Reality sets in.
Note: Informal, often humorous.
Idioms About Love and Romance in Marriage
Lovebirds
Meaning: A couple in love.
Example: The lovebirds couldn’t stop holding hands.
Similar Idiom: Puppy love.
Note: Informal, affectionate.
Puppy Love
Meaning: Young or innocent love.
Example: It started as puppy love but grew into marriage.
Similar Idiom: Young love.
Note: Informal, sweet.
Fall Head Over Heels
Meaning: To fall deeply in love.
Example: He fell head over heels for her.
Similar Idiom: Fall in love.
Note: Very common in romantic contexts.
Sweep Off One’s Feet
Meaning: To impress someone strongly in love.
Example: She was swept off her feet by his charm.
Similar Idiom: Win someone’s heart.
Note: Used romantically.
Ever After
Meaning: Refers to “happily ever after.”
Example: They found their ever after.
Similar Idiom: Happy ending.
Note: Storytelling, fairy-tale like.
Heartthrob
Meaning: Someone very attractive.
Example: She married her teenage heartthrob.
Similar Idiom: Dreamboat.
Note: Informal, romantic.
Head and Shoulders Above the Rest
Meaning: Much better than others (in love).
Example: She said he was head and shoulders above the rest.
Similar Idiom: One in a million.
Note: Common in romantic talk.
Love is Blind
Meaning: Love overlooks faults.
Example: They say love is blind when you marry.
Similar Idiom: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Note: Often quoted proverb.
Old Flame
Meaning: A past lover.
Example: He met an old flame at the wedding.
Similar Idiom: Ex-lover.
Note: Casual, everyday use.
Soul Mate
Meaning: A perfect romantic partner.
Example: She believes he is her soul mate.
Similar Idiom: Twin flame.
Note: Romantic, formal and informal.
Idioms About Challenges in Marriage
Stormy Relationship
Meaning: A marriage full of arguments.
Example: They had a stormy relationship in their first year.
Similar Idiom: Rocky relationship.
Note: Common in everyday conversations.
On the Rocks
Meaning: Marriage in trouble.
Example: Their marriage is on the rocks.
Similar Idiom: Falling apart.
Note: Casual, often serious.
Break Ties
Meaning: To end a marriage or relationship.
Example: They decided to break ties after ten years.
Similar Idiom: Split up.
Note: Used in both casual and serious contexts.
Call It Quits
Meaning: To end a marriage or relationship.
Example: They finally called it quits.
Similar Idiom: Part ways.
Note: Informal.
Split Up
Meaning: To separate or divorce.
Example: They split up after constant arguments.
Similar Idiom: Break up.
Note: Common, everyday.
Mend Fences
Meaning: To repair a troubled relationship.
Example: They tried to mend fences after the fight.
Similar Idiom: Patch things up.
Note: Informal, everyday.
Patch Things Up
Meaning: To fix problems in marriage.
Example: They patched things up after counseling.
Similar Idiom: Mend fences.
Note: Informal.
Kiss and Make Up
Meaning: To forgive after a fight.
Example: After arguing, they kissed and made up.
Similar Idiom: Bury the hatchet.
Note: Playful, casual.
Bury the Hatchet
Meaning: To make peace after conflict.
Example: They buried the hatchet and saved the marriage.
Similar Idiom: Make peace.
Note: Common in both personal and general contexts.
Trial Separation
Meaning: A temporary break in marriage.
Example: They agreed on a trial separation.
Similar Idiom: Time apart.
Note: Serious, formal context.
How to Use These Idioms in Daily Life
- In speaking: Use idioms in casual talks, storytelling, or even jokes to sound more natural. For example, instead of saying “we got married,” say “we tied the knot.”
- In writing: Idioms make essays, blogs, and even wedding invitations sound richer and more engaging.
- In professional usage: Idioms like “settle down” or “match made in heaven” can be used in speeches, articles, or formal conversations about marriage and relationships.
Common Mistakes Learners Make With Idioms
- Wrong context:
❌ He tied the knot with his job.
✅ He tied the knot with his girlfriend. - Literal meaning:
❌ They are on the rocks, so they fell on stones.
✅ They are on the rocks, meaning their marriage is in trouble. - Mixing idioms:
❌ They tied the broom.
✅ They tied the knot / jumped the broom.
FAQs
1. Why are idioms important in English?
Idioms make your English sound natural and expressive. They add color and emotion to everyday speech.
2. Are marriage idioms only for weddings?
No, many idioms are about daily married life, love, or even challenges in relationships.
3. Can I use idioms in formal writing?
Yes, but choose carefully. Idioms like “tie the knot” or “match made in heaven” can fit in speeches, articles, or wedding cards.
4. Are idioms universal?
Not always. Many idioms are cultural, but similar ideas exist in different languages with different phrases.
5. Which idiom is most common for marriage?
The most widely used idiom is “tie the knot,” meaning to get married.
Conclusion
Marriage idioms are a fun way to talk about love, commitment, and relationships in English. From “tie the knot” to “wedded bliss,” these phrases bring charm and warmth to your language.
They can describe the beauty of weddings, the sweetness of romance, or even the challenges couples face. Learning and practicing these idioms will not only make your English stronger but also help you connect with others on a deeper level.
So next time you talk about marriage, sprinkle in a few idioms—you’ll sound more fluent, natural, and engaging.
