A young man's fancy

Definitions

• To describe a young man's romantic or infatuated thoughts or feelings
  Often used in a playful or lighthearted manner to tease or mock someone who is in the early stages of a crush or infatuation

• To refer to a young man's interests or hobbies
  Can be used in a more serious manner to describe a young man's passions and pursuits in life

Examples of A young man's fancy

• A young man's fancy turned to thoughts of love.

  This idiom is derived from Shakespeare's poem "Sonnet 116." It means that a young man's mind suddenly becomes preoccupied with thoughts of love. In this example, the phrase "turned to" indicates that the young man's thoughts shifted from one topic to another.

• She has a fancy for expensive jewelry.

  This idiom means that the person enjoys or is attracted to expensive jewelry. The word "fancy" in this context is used to describe a preference or liking.

• He's always daydreaming, his fancy is always running wild.

  This idiom is used to describe someone who often lets their imagination run wild. The phrase "running wild" implies that the person's thoughts are not focused or controlled.

• The chef's fancy led him to create a unique dish.

  This idiom is used to describe how someone's creative or imaginative ideas led to a specific outcome. In this example, the chef's creative ideas resulted in a unique dish.

• She has a fancy for traveling to exotic locations.

  This idiom is used to describe someone's preference or desire for traveling to exotic or unusual places. The word "fancy" is used to describe a liking or preference.

Conclusion

In summary, the idiom "a young man's fancy" is often used to describe a young man's romantic thoughts or interests. It can be used in a playful or teasing manner, but can also be used more seriously to refer to a young man's passions and pursuits.

Origin of "A young man's fancy"

The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the 1800s, when it was first used in literature and poetry. It is believed to have originated from the phrase "a young man's fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love," which was coined by the English poet Alfred Lord Tennyson in his poem "Locksley Hall" published in 1835.

The phrase became popular in the Victorian era, when young men were expected to court and marry at a young age. Thus, the phrase was often used to describe a young man's fleeting romantic thoughts and infatuations.

Over time, the idiom has evolved to also refer to a young man's interests and passions beyond just romantic feelings. It is now commonly used in both a light-hearted and serious manner to describe a young man's thoughts and pursuits in life.