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Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Understand expressions for early connection, affection, commitment, and a relationship in difficulty.
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Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptThe episode follows expressions from meeting someone through a serious relationship and possible breakup. “Hit it off” means people get along, not that they are in love; other phrases describe a crush, a proposal, or a difficult period. The lesson treats the expressions as language, not rules for how relationships should develop.
Cultural note: Relationship language is personal and varies across people and cultures. Do not assume that a close friendship is romantic, that marriage is everyone’s goal, or that a phrase like “soul mate” describes one required kind of relationship. Expressions such as “on the rocks” can feel intrusive when discussing someone else’s private life.
Keep exploringGetting along, having a crush, and being in love are not the same thing. These phrases help express the difference.
Phrase guide · 6 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Distinguish getting along from romantic feelings.
Meaning
Get along well with someone from the beginning.
Tone & use
Informal and positive. It does not necessarily mean romantic attraction or love.
Example
“The two new volunteers hit it off while organizing the book sale.”
Describe affection without assuming what another person feels.
Meaning
Have a usually informal or short-term romantic interest in someone.
Tone & use
Casual and often associated with younger people, but not limited to them. Do not use it to speak for someone else unless they have described their feelings.
Example
“She said she had a crush on the singer when she was in high school.”
Meaning
Admire or love someone without being close to them or in a relationship with them.
Tone & use
Can sound romantic or poetic. It does not imply the other person returns the feeling.
Example
“He admired the musician from afar and never expected a personal relationship.”
Meaning
Very deeply or intensely in love.
Tone & use
Informal and emphatic. It describes a strong feeling, not proof that a relationship is healthy or mutual.
Example
“They were head over heels in love, but still took time to learn how to communicate well.”
Recognize proposal and rough-patch expressions.
Meaning
Ask someone to marry you.
Tone & use
Informal and usually refers to a marriage proposal. The expression does not imply that the other person will say yes.
Example
“After they discussed their plans together, he decided to pop the question.”
Recognition caution
Meaning
Be in a difficult or unstable period, especially a relationship.
Tone & use
Informal and potentially intrusive when used about other people’s private lives. It can also describe a business or plan in trouble.
Example
“After months of missed deadlines, the partnership was on the rocks.”
Can invite assumptions about private relationships. Use it carefully and avoid gossip.
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
Try it · Choose the best expression
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