Love and marriage have been central themes in countless movies, and some of the most memorable lines from films include idioms that capture the essence of romance and commitment. These idioms make dialogue more expressive, helping to convey deep emotions and universal truths in a relatable way. Plus, idioms in movie quotes add richness to the language of love.
In this article, we’ll explore some famous movie quotes from 10 films that contain idioms and explain their meanings.
1. Forrest Gump
One of the most well-known romantic movie quotes comes from Forrest Gump (1994): “Me and Jenny go together like peas and carrots.” This idiom means two people are a perfect match, just like the classic food pairing of peas and carrots. It describes a relationship where two people complement each other naturally. This phrase is often used to express the idea that love is about compatibility and finding someone who fits perfectly into your life.
2. Gone with the Wind
Another classic example is from Gone with the Wind (1939): “You should be kissed, and often, and by someone who knows how.” While this line does not directly use an idiom, it conveys the idea of being “swept off your feet,” which means to be deeply and suddenly in love. Many romantic movies feature this idiom to describe intense romantic attraction, where one person is overwhelmed by love or admiration for another.
3. When Harry Met Sally
In When Harry Met Sally (1989), Harry delivers a heartfelt line: “When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.” This moment highlights the idiom “spend the rest of your life with someone,” which expresses a deep commitment to marriage and lifelong love. It’s commonly used in wedding speeches and proposals, emphasizing the desire for everlasting companionship.
4. My Big Fat Greek Wedding
One of the most famous wedding-related idioms comes from My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002): “The man may be the head of the house, but the woman is the neck, and she can turn the head any way she wants.” This humorous and insightful line plays on the idiom “head of the house,” which traditionally refers to the person in charge of a household. The quote humorously suggests that while a husband may believe he is in control, the wife has significant influence in shaping decisions.
5. The Princess Bride
The phrase “to have and to hold” appears in traditional wedding vows and was famously referenced in The Princess Bride (1987), when the clergyman humorously mispronounces the classic vow during a wedding ceremony. This idiom represents the promise of commitment in marriage, emphasizing that spouses will support and cherish each other for life. It has become a timeless expression of devotion in love stories.
6. Casablanca
In Casablanca (1942), one of the most famous romantic movie quotes is: “Here’s looking at you, kid.” While not a literal idiom, this phrase conveys a deep sense of admiration and affection. It shares similarities with the idiom “love is in the air,” which describes a romantic atmosphere. The line is iconic because it reflects the deep bond between the characters, even in difficult circumstances.
7. 10 Things I Hate About You
A more modern example of a love-related idiom appears in 10 Things I Hate About You (1999), where Kat recites: “I hate the way I don’t hate you. Not even close, not even a little bit, not even at all.” This line plays with the idiom “hate to love,” which refers to the complex emotions of being frustrated with someone but ultimately still loving them. This type of romantic tension is common in love stories, where characters struggle with their feelings before realizing their true emotions.
8. Up
One of the most touching marriage-related idioms comes from Up (2009), when Carl reflects on his lifelong love for Ellie. The film beautifully portrays the phrase “grow old together,” which describes a couple spending their entire lives with one another. This idiom captures the essence of lasting love, showing how deep connections develop over time and endure through all of life’s changes.
9. Jerry Maguire
In Jerry Maguire (1996), the famous line “You complete me” expresses the idiom “better half,” which refers to a spouse or partner who makes life feel whole. This idiom emphasizes the idea that love is about complementing each other and finding fulfillment in a relationship. The line has since become one of the most quoted romantic phrases in movie history.
10. The Notebook
Finally, in The Notebook (2004), the passionate declaration “It wasn’t over. It still isn’t over!” captures the idiom “fight for love,” which means to make great efforts to maintain or regain a romantic relationship. This quote highlights the idea that true love requires perseverance and commitment, a theme found in many classic love stories.
These famous movie quotes demonstrate how idioms enhance the language of love and marriage, making emotions more vivid and relatable. Whether in romantic comedies, classic dramas, or animated films, these expressions help convey the complexities of relationships.
Learning these idioms not only improves language skills but also provides insight into the universal experiences of love and commitment. By understanding and using these phrases, English learners can express romantic feelings more naturally, just like in the movies.