As Valentine’s Day approaches, we’d like to set the mood by teaching you 15 English sayings about love. Let’s explore the wisdom passed down through generations and practice using these expressions in the exercise at the end of the post, as well as in real life whenever possible. Happy Valentine’s Day! ❤️

1. Love is blind.

In other words: When people are in love, they often overlook or fail to notice each other’s flaws, faults, or imperfections.

Example: Even though Sarah’s friends warned her about Jake’s bad habits, she couldn’t see them because she was so in love with him. As they say, love is blind.

2. The course of true love never did run smooth. (Originally from William Shakespeare’s play “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”)

In other words: True love often faces challenges, obstacles, or difficulties.

Example: Their relationship had its challenges, but as Shakespeare said, “The course of true love never did run smooth.”

3. All’s fair in love and war.

In other words: In situations involving love or conflict, people are often willing to do anything, including actions that might normally be considered unfair or immoral, because the stakes are so high.

Example: He confessed his feelings to her, even though his friend liked her too—after all, all’s fair in love and war.

4. Love conquers all.

In other words: Love has the power to overcome any obstacle, hardship, or difficulty. 

Example: Despite their differences, they proved that love conquers all.

5. You can’t hurry love.

In other words: Love develops at its own pace and cannot be rushed. 

Example: She’s still single, but she believes you can’t hurry love—it’ll happen when the time is right.

6. Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

In other words: When people are apart from each other, their affection and love for each other can increase. 

Example: After months of long-distance, they realized that absence makes the heart grow fonder.

7. Love will find a way.

In other words: True love will overcome any obstacles or difficulties. 

Example: Even with all the obstacles, she’s confident that love will find a way.

8. Opposites attract.

In other words: People who are very different from each other in personality, interests, or traits can still be drawn to one another and form successful relationships. 

Example: He’s reserved, and she’s outgoing, but opposites attract, and they’re perfect together.

9. True love never dies.

In other words: Genuine love is eternal and enduring, even in the face of time, distance, or challenges. 

Example: Decades later, their story is proof that true love never dies.

10. When you know, you know.

In other words: Sometimes, when you meet the right person or make the right decision, you just have a strong, instinctive feeling that it’s right, without needing further explanation or proof. It’s often used in the context of love or important life choices.

Example: When Jake met Lily, he didn’t need to date around or think about it. He just knew—when you know, you know.

11. The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.

In other words: Cooking delicious food or taking care of someone’s appetite can be a way to win their affection or love.

Example: She won him over with her cooking, proving the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.

12. To love and be loved is the greatest joy on earth.

In other words: Experiencing love, both in giving and receiving it, is one of the most fulfilling and rewarding aspects of life. 

Example: After years of loneliness, Janice finally found her soulmate, and she realized that to love and be loved is the greatest joy on earth.

13. A heart that loves is always young.

In other words: Love keeps a person feeling youthful and full of energy, regardless of age.

Example: Even after 50 years together, their smiles show that a heart that loves is always young.

14. Love makes the world go round.

In other words: Love is a powerful and essential force that motivates people and gives life meaning. 

Example: Despite all the challenges they faced, they always believed that love makes the world go round, and it kept them going through the toughest times.

15. Love is a two-way street.

In other words: For love to be successful, both people involved must give and receive love equally. 

Example: Their relationship works because they both know that love is a two-way street.

Practice

Click the link here and choose the proverb that works best in the described situation.

What proverbs about love exist in your language? How do they translate into English? We’d ❤️ to hear from you in the comments below. Let’s appreciate the wisdom of these sayings together!