PhrasesHub

No love lost

    Definitions

      • a mutual dislike or lack of affection
        Describing a relationship where two people do not get along or have negative feelings towards each other

      • indifference or apathy towards someone or something
        Indicating a lack of strong feelings or emotions towards someone or something, often used in a sarcastic or ironic manner

    Examples of No love lost

    • Sarah and Rachel used to be best friends, but after a falling out, there's no love lost between them.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where there is no lingering affection or goodwill between two people who were once close. It implies that any negative feelings or animosity between them have been fully expressed and resolved, leaving no need for further reconciliation.

    • The two teams have a fierce rivalry, but there's no love lost between their coaches. They respect each other's skills and abilities.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used in a different context, where two parties may have a contentious relationship, but the individuals involved may still have positive feelings towards each other.

    • After years of working together, there's no love lost between John and his coworker. They've developed a mutual respect and understanding.

      Here, the idiom is used to describe a situation where two people who have a history of working together have come to appreciate and value each other's contributions, even if they don't necessarily enjoy each other's company.

    • The politician and his opponent have a long-standing feud, but there's no love lost between them. They've both made their points and moved on.

      This example demonstrates how the idiom can be used to convey that two parties may have had a contentious relationship in the past, but have since resolved their differences and moved forward.

    • The siblings may argue and bicker, but there's no love lost between them. They still care for each other deeply.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used to describe a situation where two people may have disagreements or conflicts, but still have a strong emotional bond. It implies that any negative feelings are outweighed by the underlying affection and connection between the individuals.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "no love lost" is typically used to describe a negative or strained relationship between two people. It can also convey a sense of indifference or lack of strong feelings towards someone or something.

    Origin of "No love lost"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the 1500s in England. It was often used in Shakespeare's plays, such as in his work "Henry VI" where he writes, "There's no love lost between us" to describe a bitter rivalry between two characters.

    The phrase became more popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, and it is believed to have originated from the idea that love is a finite emotion that can be lost or used up. Therefore, if there is "no love lost" between two people, it means that they have used up all of the love they had for each other.

    Over time, the idiom has evolved to have a broader meaning and is now commonly used to describe any kind of negative or strained relationship, not just romantic ones. It is also often used in a humorous or sarcastic way, making light of a situation where there is a lack of strong feelings.