English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Cupboard love
Meaning
The idiom "cupboard love" refers to an affection or attachment towards someone who is absent or unavailable. It describes a longing for someone, often romantic in nature, despite knowing that they are not actually interested in the other person.
Usage
- She had developed cupboard love for him after watching all his interviews online, but he never noticed her feelings.
- He couldn't help but feel cupboard love towards her every time he saw her pictures on social media.
- The long distance relationship was difficult for them, as they both felt cupboard love towards each other.
- She tried to suppress her cupboard love for him and focus on her own life, but it was hard to resist his charm.
- After months of communication, he finally revealed that he didn't feel cupboard love for her anymore and wanted to end the relationship.
Roots and History
The idiom "cupboard love" dates back to the 18th century in England, where it was first used in print by poet John Dennis. According to Dennis, the phrase comes from the fact that cupboards were often used as a hiding place for secret lovers who could only see each other during their lunch breaks. In this context, "cupboard love" refers to the longing and affection towards someone who is not actually with you. Over time, the idiom has evolved to refer to any kind of affection towards someone who is absent or unavailable.
Synonyms in English
- Pine for someone
- Long for someone
- Yearn for someone
- Crave someone
- Hanker after someone
Synonyms in other languages
- German: Heimweh - a longing or homesickness for one's family, friends, or homeland
- French: Melancolie, Chaleur du souvenir, Amour à distance, Regret - a feeling of sadness or nostalgia
- Spanish: Saudade - a deep emotional state of longing and nostalgic desire
- Italian: Sogno di fuga, Melancolia - a dream of escape or melancholy
- Japanese: Kokuhaku no ko - a term used to describe the feeling of falling in love with someone who is unattainable or unavailable.