Word

Definition

Also

Grammar Note

Usage Note

Example

Make friends

To become good friends with others

Used to describe people who are quite sociable or not very sociable at all

Edward makes friends easily. That’s why is the most popular person in the office

Hit it off

To develop a friendly relationship quickly

The pronoun it cannot be substituted or changed in any way

Isabel knew she would marry Ryan some day because they hit it off right from the start.

Start off on the wrong foot

To have a bad start to a relationship ( opposite – start off on the right foot)

The verb get can also be used

I know we started off on the wrong foot because I was late on our first date, but could you please give me another chance?

Get along (with)

To interact well or associate (with)

The idiom is used to describe whether or not there is a friendly relationship

I get along with my older brother. He is pretty cool.

Tie the knot

To get married

Get hitched

Used informally and often when the decision to marry is a quick one

My best friends tied the knot yesterday. The wedding was great!

On the rocks

Troubled ( when having to do with a relationship)

The O’Brien’s are seeing a counselor because their marriage is on the rocks.

Word

Definition

Also

Grammar Note

Usage Note

Example

Go out ( with )

To date.

Amr. Eng: - to accompany socially on a single date

Br. Eng: - a series of dates with one person.

Take someone out

Take out is separable

Dave wanted to go out with the new girl at school, but he was too shy to ask.

Go with

To date on a regular basis ( more common in American English)

Go steady (with)

Go steady is not commonly used by younger people. Go out with can also be used for a series of dates ( more Br. Eng)

Ulla has been going with Steve for several months.

Blind date

A date with a person whom one has not met before

have a blind date.

go on a blind date.

My roommate arranged a blind date for me so I could go to the party with someone.

Fix up ( with)

To arrange for two people to date

Set up (with)

Fix up and set up are separable. The subject of the sentence is the person who arranges the date for another person.

Mike didn’t have a date for the party, so he was glad when his friend fixed him up.

Old flame

A previous boyfriend or girlfriend ( opposite: - a new flame)

Kim was surprised when she accidentally met an old flame at the supermarket.

Break up (with)

To end a relationship, to stop dating

Spit up (with),

Break-off

Break off is separable

In the United States, 50 percent of all married people eventually break up.

Stand someone up

To fail to appear for a date, to leave waiting, to cancel at the last minute.

Separable and the object is usually after the verb.

I can’t believe that Lydia stood Jake up last night without even calling him.

Make up (with)

To become friendly again after an argument or disagreement

Get back together

Bury the hatchet

After two days of not talking to each other, Casey and Ann made up.