English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Pop the question
Meaning
The idiom "pop the question" refers to asking someone to marry you. It's a way of proposing to someone, usually in a casual or informal setting.
Usage
- I had been dating my girlfriend for a year now and decided it was time to pop the question.
- My husband surprised me with a proposal during our anniversary dinner - he popped the question!
- My best friend told her boyfriend she wanted to start a family, so he popped the question.
- I had been wanting to ask my girlfriend to marry me for months now, and finally found the right moment to pop the question.
- We were out for dinner when my husband suddenly got down on one knee and popped the question.
Roots and History
The origin of the idiom is unclear, but it's thought to have originated in the United States during the 1960s or 1970s. It may have come from the idea of "popping a cork" when a bottle of champagne is opened during a celebration, which was often associated with engagement and marriage.
Synonyms in EnglishAsk for someone's hand in marriage, propose to someone, ask someone out on a date.
Synonyms in other languages
- Spanish: Pedir la mano de alguien
- French: Demander la main d'une personne
- Italian: Chiedere la mano di qualcuno
- German: Bitten, jemand um die Hand zu fragen
- Portuguese: Pedir a mão de alguém