Marriage is a journey filled with love, commitment, and challenges. Whether describing a strong bond or the ups and downs of relationships, these idioms bring warmth and wisdom to conversations about marriage.
1. Tie the Knot
Meaning: To get married.
Example: “After dating for five years, they finally tied the knot.”
Tone: Romantic, celebratory.
Other ways to say it: Get hitched, say ‘I do,’ walk down the aisle.
2. Walk Down the Aisle
Meaning: To get married in a traditional wedding ceremony.
Example: “She’s excited to walk down the aisle next summer.”
Tone: Joyful, formal.
Other ways to say it: Get married, exchange vows.
3. Ball and Chain
Meaning: A humorous way to refer to a spouse, often implying restriction.
Example: “He jokes that his wife is his ball and chain, but he loves her deeply.”
Tone: Playful, teasing.
Other ways to say it: Old ball and chain, lifelong partner (in jest).
4. A Match Made in Heaven
Meaning: A perfect couple.
Example: “They complement each other so well—it’s a match made in heaven.”
Tone: Romantic, admiring.
Other ways to say it: Soulmates, meant to be.
5. Take the Plunge
Meaning: To make the big decision to get married.
Example: “After years of hesitation, he finally took the plunge.”
Tone: Bold, encouraging.
Other ways to say it: Commit, make it official.
6. Hitched for Life
Meaning: Married permanently.
Example: “They believe in being hitched for life, no matter the challenges.”
Tone: Devoted, long-term.
Other ways to say it: Lifelong commitment, forever together.
7. In the Same Boat
Meaning: Facing the same challenges together.
Example: “Marriage is about realizing you’re in the same boat and rowing together.”
Tone: Supportive, understanding.
Other ways to say it: Partners in crime, united front.
8. Jump the Broom
Meaning: To get married (from an old tradition).
Example: “They honored their heritage by jumping the broom at their wedding.”
Tone: Traditional, cultural.
Other ways to say it: Get wed, unite in marriage.
9. Love and Marriage Go Together Like a Horse and Carriage
Meaning: Love and marriage are naturally connected.
Example: “As the song goes, love and marriage go together like a horse and carriage!”
Tone: Classic, poetic.
Other ways to say it: Hand in hand, inseparable bond.
10. Stick Through Thick and Thin
Meaning: To stay together through good and bad times.
Example: “Marriage is about sticking through thick and thin.”
Tone: Loyal, devoted.
Other ways to say it: Stand by each other, unwavering support.
11. A Long Haul Relationship
Meaning: A marriage built for the long term.
Example: “They knew their marriage was a long-haul relationship.”
Tone: Serious, committed.
Other ways to say it: Lifelong partnership, built to last.
12. Wearing the Pants in the Relationship
Meaning: The person who has the most control in the marriage.
Example: “Everyone knows she wears the pants in their relationship!”
Tone: Playful, teasing.
Other ways to say it: Head of the household, decision-maker.
13. Marry in Haste, Repent at Leisure
Meaning: Rushing into marriage may lead to regret.
Example: “He realized too late—marry in haste, repent at leisure.”
Tone: Cautionary, wise.
Other ways to say it: Think before you act, rushed decisions lead to regret.
14. Old Married Couple
Meaning: A couple who has been together so long they act predictably.
Example: “They argue over little things like an old married couple.”
Tone: Affectionate, humorous.
Other ways to say it: Long-time partners, deeply familiar couple.
15. Two Peas in a Pod
Meaning: A couple that is extremely similar.
Example: “They’re so alike—it’s like they’re two peas in a pod.”
Tone: Warm, admiring.
Other ways to say it: Perfect pair, mirror images.
16. A Rock and a Hard Place
Meaning: A difficult situation in marriage.
Example: “They’re stuck between a rock and a hard place with their in-laws.”
Tone: Challenging, stressful.
Other ways to say it: Tough spot, no easy way out.
17. Kiss and Make Up
Meaning: To resolve a disagreement in marriage.
Example: “After their argument, they kissed and made up.”
Tone: Positive, reconciliatory.
Other ways to say it: Make peace, patch things up.
18. A Happy Wife Means a Happy Life
Meaning: Keeping your spouse happy makes for a better marriage.
Example: “He follows the golden rule: a happy wife means a happy life.”
Tone: Lighthearted, humorous.
Other ways to say it: Keep the peace, marital wisdom.
19. Settle Down
Meaning: To get married and start a stable life.
Example: “He traveled for years before deciding to settle down.”
Tone: Mature, committed.
Other ways to say it: Start a family, build a home.
20. Hit a Rough Patch
Meaning: A difficult period in marriage.
Example: “Every couple hits a rough patch, but they worked through it.”
Tone: Honest, realistic.
Other ways to say it: Face challenges, go through struggles.
21. Bend Over Backwards
Meaning: To make great efforts for one’s spouse.
Example: “She bends over backwards to make their marriage work.”
Tone: Dedicated, loving.
Other ways to say it: Go the extra mile, do everything possible.
22. Joined at the Hip
Meaning: A couple who is always together.
Example: “They’re joined at the hip—never seen apart!”
Tone: Affectionate, amused.
Other ways to say it: Always together, inseparable.
23. A Love Nest
Meaning: A cozy home shared by a married couple.
Example: “They built a beautiful love nest by the lake.”
Tone: Romantic, warm.
Other ways to say it: Dream home, cozy retreat.
24. Over the Moon
Meaning: Extremely happy in marriage.
Example: “She was over the moon when he proposed!”
Tone: Joyful, celebratory.
Other ways to say it: Ecstatic, thrilled.
25. Pull Together
Meaning: To work as a team in marriage.
Example: “When times get tough, they pull together.”
Tone: Supportive, strong.
Other ways to say it: Work as a team, be united.
26. Seal the Deal
Meaning: To make marriage official.
Example: “They sealed the deal with a beautiful wedding ceremony.”
Tone: Exciting, official.
Other ways to say it: Make it official, say ‘I do.’
Conclusion
Marriage is full of love, teamwork, and sometimes challenges—and these idioms capture its many aspects beautifully. Whether describing a couple’s perfect harmony or the bumps along the way, these phrases make conversations about marriage more colorful and expressive!
