PhrasesHub

An old flame

    Definitions

      • referring to a past romantic relationship or love interest
        To describe a person who was once romantically involved with someone but is no longer in a relationship with them, often used to evoke nostalgia or reminiscence

      • reigniting a past romantic relationship
        To describe the act of reconnecting with a former romantic partner and possibly rekindling the relationship

      • a source of passion or excitement from the past
        To describe a past experience or memory that was once exciting or passionate, perhaps referring to a former hobby or interest

      • a reminder of a past love
        To describe an object, place, or event that brings back memories of a past romantic relationship or love interest

    Examples of An old flame

    • Sarah's heart skipped a beat when she saw her old flame, Tom, walking towards her in the crowded coffee shop.

      This idiom is used to describe someone who was once romantically involved with another person. In this example, Sarah's feelings for Tom, who she once had a romantic relationship with, resurface when she sees him unexpectedly.An ace up one's sleeve

    • The politician had an ace up his sleeve when he revealed a surprise policy during the debate.

      This idiom is used to describe a secret or unexpected advantage that someone has. In this example, the politician had a surprise policy that he kept hidden until the debate, giving him an advantage over his opponents.Bite the bullet

    • After months of deliberation, the CEO finally bit the bullet and made the tough decision to downsize the company.

      This idiom is used to describe making a difficult decision or facing a challenging situation with courage and determination. In this example, the CEO faced the difficult decision to downsize the company with courage and determination.Break a leg

    • Before the play, the actors wished each other luck and said, "Break a leg!"

      This idiom is used to wish someone good luck, especially in a performance or competition. In this example, the actors wished each other good luck before the play, using this idiom to mean they hoped the other actors would perform well.Cut to the chase

    • The salesman knew he had to cut to the chase and get straight to the point if he wanted to close the deal.

      This idiom is used to describe getting straight to the main point or purpose of something. In this example, the salesman knew he had to focus on the main point of the sale if he wanted to close the deal.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "an old flame" is commonly used to refer to a past romantic relationship or love interest. It can be used to describe someone who was once involved in a romantic relationship but is no longer, often with a sense of nostalgia or reminiscence. It can also refer to the act of reigniting a past romance, or a source of passion or excitement from the past. Additionally, it can be used to describe something that serves as a reminder of a past love.

    Origin of "An old flame"

    The origin of the idiom "an old flame" is believed to come from the literal meaning of the word "flame," which can refer to a burning passion or intense emotion. In this sense, an old flame would be a past love or romantic interest that may still hold a strong emotional attachment or memory.

    This idiom has been used in literature and music for centuries, with references dating back to the 16th century. It became more popular in the 19th and 20th centuries, especially in romantic novels and songs. The idiom is often used to portray a sense of longing for a past romance or to evoke feelings of nostalgia.

    The phrase "old flame" may also have originated from the idea of a fire that has died down but can still be reignited. Similarly, a past love may have faded but can still be rekindled. The idiom can also be seen as a metaphor for the idea that love can never truly die, but may simply flicker and reignite at different times.