PhrasesHub

Better half

    Definitions

      • Loving or romantic description of a partner or spouse
        To refer to one's significant other in an affectionate or endearing way

      • Positive comparison of two parts
        To describe one part of a whole as superior or more desirable compared to the other part

    Examples of Better half

    • Sarah's husband, Mark, is her better half when it comes to managing their finances.

      This means that Sarah leaves the responsibility of handling their finances to her husband, Mark, because he is more capable than her in this aspect. Sarah trusts Mark to be better at managing their money than she is.

    • Some people say that work ethic is a better half than inherent talent when it comes to achieving success in life.

      This idiomatic phrase is used to emphasize the importance of having a strong work ethic. It suggests that those who have a strong work ethic and are hardworking are more likely to succeed in life than those who have innate talent but lack work ethic.

    • After a long day of work, Jane looks forward to spending time with her husband, who is the better half of her life.

      This phrase is using the idiom in a more figurative sense. It signifies that Jane's husband is the more important part of her life, and that he brings happiness and fulfillment to her life.

    • During a chaotic situation, you may find that your better half is the level-headed partner who can think calmly and rationally.

      This idiom is often used in tense situations, where one partner is calmer and more rational than the other. This phrase is used to highlight the importance of having a partner who can think clearly and calmly during times of crisis. It suggests that such a partner can provide stability and support during such times.

    • "When Karen's husband proposed to her, she was over the moon. She immediately said 'Yes!' and told her friends 'I've met my better half.'"

      In this context, "better half" refers to Karen's husband, who she considers to be the perfect partner for her. It is a figurative expression that is used to describe a person's spouse as their better or more compatible match.

    • "After years of searching, Sarah finally found her better half. She describes him as her soulmate and confidant."

      Similar to the previous example, "better half" is being used here to describe Sarah's husband as the ideal partner for her. It suggests that he compliments her perfectly and brings out the best in her.

    • "Rachel's better half is her husband, who is not only her soulmate but also her best friend."

      This example demonstrates how "better half" can be used to express a multi-faceted relationship between a married couple. Rachel's husband is not only her perfect partner but also her confidant and companion.

    • "After a long day at work, Dave found solace in his better half, who was waiting for him at home with a cup of tea and a smile."

      In this context, "better half" is used to describe the peace and comfort that Dave finds in his wife after a long and tiring day. It demonstrates the emotional connection and support that a spouse provides in difficult times.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "better half" has two main meanings. The first is a loving or romantic way to describe one's partner or spouse. This usage highlights the deep connection and love between two people in a relationship. The second meaning is a positive comparison of two parts, with one being described as superior or more desirable than the other. This can be used to refer to any two parts of a whole, such as a team or a project.

    Origin of "Better half"

    The origin of the idiom "better half" can be traced back to ancient Greece, where it was believed that humans were originally created with four arms, four legs, and two heads. However, the gods became jealous and split them in half, resulting in humans always seeking their other "half" to feel whole again. This concept has been referenced in various myths and stories throughout history, and eventually evolved into the modern-day usage of "better half" to describe a romantic partner.

    In the 16th century, the term "better half" started to be used in a more literal sense to refer to a person's better or more desirable half. By the 18th century, it had become a common expression in English literature and eventually became a widely used idiom in everyday language. Today, it is still used to describe a romantic partner, but can also be used in a more general sense to compare two parts of a whole.