English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
The course of true love never did run smooth
Meaning
The idiom "the course of true love never did run smooth" means that the journey of true love is often full of obstacles, difficulties, and challenges that make it difficult for lovers to be together. It suggests that true love is not always an easy path to follow and that there are many factors that can interfere with it.
Usage
- The course of true love never did run smooth, but we managed to overcome all the obstacles and find our way back to each other.
- She was hesitant to commit to him because she knew that the course of true love never did run smooth.
- Despite the many challenges they faced, their love for each other remained strong, proving that the course of true love never did run smooth.
- He was nervous about starting a new relationship because he had heard that the course of true love never did run smooth.
- We always knew that our love for each other would be tested, but we were determined to see it through, even though the course of true love never did run smooth.
Roots and History
The idiom "the course of true love never did run smooth" is believed to have originated in the 16th century from William Shakespeare's play "Twelfth Night." In the play, the character Viola says, "Love hath not his reasons why it loveth; nor hath his passion any reason to make him fall. He doth but follow his heart, which is his only law: and that law will come into collision with his brain." This line suggests that true love is irrational and unpredictable, and that it is not always easy for lovers to be together. Over time, the idiom has become more widely used to describe the challenges and obstacles that couples face in their relationships. It has also been adapted to refer to other situations where there are difficulties or challenges that need to be overcome.
Synonyms in English
- The path to true love is often fraught with obstacles.
- True love is not always an easy journey.
- The journey of true love is rarely smooth sailing.
- Love can be a rocky road.
- Finding true love is never an easy task.
Synonyms in other languages
- En amour, le chemin n'est jamais facile (French) - In love, the path is never easy.
- La via dell'amore non è mai felice (Italian) - The way of love is never happy.
- El camino de la verdadera amor no suele ser suave (Spanish) - The path of true love is rarely smooth.
- L'amour n'est pas un chemin facile (French) - Love is not an easy path.
- Amore non è mai una strada retta (Italian) - Love is never a straight road.