PhrasesHub

Ménage à trois

    Definitions

      • romantic or sexual relationship involving three people
        Describing a situation where three people are involved in a romantic or sexual relationship

      • complicated situation
        Describing a situation that is complicated or awkward due to the involvement of three parties

    Examples of Ménage à trois

    • Emma's ménage à trois with her husband and her sister's ex-boyfriend caused quite a scandal in their small community.

      In this example, the idiom "ménage à trois" is being used to describe a situation where three people, Emma's husband and her sister's ex-boyfriend, are involved in a romantic relationship. This usage of the idiom is quite literal, as the phrase originates from French and means "household of three." However, in common usage, it is often used to describe a romantic or sexual relationship involving three people.

    • Despite the drama, Emma's ménage à trois brought her a newfound sense of freedom and excitement.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used as a metaphor for a situation that brings about unexpected consequences or feelings. In this case, Emma's unexpected relationship with her sister's ex-boyfriend provides her with feelings of liberation and adventure.

    • In older literature, the concept of a ménage à trois was often depicted as a symbol of decadence and moral depravity.

      This example demonstrates how the idiom can be used figuratively to represent a broader cultural or historical context. In the past, relationships involving three people were often regarded as taboo or immoral, and thus are associated with negative connotations.

    • As society becomes more accepting of nontraditional relationships, the ménage à trois has become less taboo and more common.

      Here, we see how the idiom's meaning has evolved over time due to societal shifts in values and beliefs. The phrase's usage has moved beyond its initial meaning and has become a catch-all term for any triangular romantic relationship, regardless of its morality or societal acceptability.

    • The actress was involved in a complicated ménage à trois with her co-star and his wife.

      This idiom, originating from French, literally means "household of three" and refers to a relationship involving three people, usually two partners and a third person involved in a romantic or sexual relationship with both partners. In this example, the actress is participating in a romantic or sexual relationship with both her co-star and his wife, forming a ménage à trois.

    • Their ménage à trois was a secret they kept from the rest of the world.

      Here, the idiom is used to describe a private and intimate relationship that is not publicly known or acknowledged. The couple, along with their partner, are keeping their relationship a secret from others outside of their "household of three."

    • She claimed to have a ménage à trois with two famous musicians, but no one could confirm the validity of her claims.

      In this example, the idiom is used in a more figurative sense. The speaker is describing a situation where a woman is falsely boasting or exaggerating about her relationships with two well-known musicians. Again, the idiom emphasizes the idea of intimacy, specifically a romantic and sexual relationship, with three people involved.

    • The ménage à trois was short-lived, as the wife soon grew tired of sharing her husband with another woman.

      This example illustrates the potential complications and challenges of a ménage à trois. The relationship between the actress, co-star, and his wife does not last for long, as the wife eventually becomes dissatisfied with sharing her husband with another woman. This example highlights the complex dynamics and emotional entanglements that can arise in a ménage à trois.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "ménage à trois" is commonly used to describe a romantic or sexual relationship involving three people. It can also be used to describe a complicated situation involving three parties. The phrase is often used in a lighthearted or humorous manner to refer to non-traditional relationships or complicated scenarios.

    Origin of "Ménage à trois"

    The term "ménage à trois" is of French origin and directly translates to "household of three." It originated in the 19th century, and its usage has evolved to encompass both its literal meaning and its figurative usage to describe a romantic or sexual relationship involving three people. The idiom has become widely recognized in English-speaking countries and is commonly used in popular culture to refer to non-traditional relationships or complicated situations involving three parties. Examples of its usage can be found in literature, film, and other forms of media.