for the love of: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘for the love of’ mean?
The idiom "for the love of" is used to express a strong desire or motivation to do something, often driven by deep affection or passion. It emphasizes the importance of personal connection or attachment to the action or object in question.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "in for the kill" is used to describe a situation where someone is determined to achieve their goal and will do whatever it takes to succeed.
The idiom "heart of hearts" refers to one's deepest and truest emotions or beliefs.
The idiom heart of hearts is used to express a deep, genuine feeling or belief that is hidden or kept to oneself. It describes a person's truest or most sincere thoughts and emotions. The phrase can be traced back to ancient Greek and Roman beliefs about the human heart as the seat of emotions and the core of one's being.
The idiom "have the hots for" means to have strong romantic or sexual feelings towards someone. It suggests a strong attraction or desire for that person, often accompanied by a sense of infatuation.
The idiom "have the hots for" implies a strong, often romantic, attraction or desire towards someone. It is commonly used in informal speech and writing, particularly in American English.
The idiom "have one's heart in" means to be passionately or deeply committed or invested in something or someone.
The idiom "have a fable for" means to have a strong liking or preference for something or someone, often to an excessive or irrational degree. It suggests a passion or infatuation that may not be based on reason or practicality.
The idiom "for XYZ reasons" is used when giving an explanation or justification for something. It indicates that there are specific motives or justifications but does not list them explicitly. It is commonly used to provide a vague reasoning behind an action or decision.
The idiom "for the hell of it" means doing something without any particular reason or purpose, simply for the sake of doing it.
The idiomatic expression "for the hell of it" is often used in American English to describe doing something without a specific reason or purpose. It is a colloquial phrase that has become widely recognized and is used in various contexts. The exact origin of the idiom is uncertain, but there are a few possible explanations.
The idiom *for the asking* means that something is easily obtained or available without any effort or difficulty.
For the asking is a phrase that means something is easily obtained or available simply by asking for it. The origin of this idiom is not clear, but it has been in use for several decades at least. The idiom is commonly used in American English and can imply both accessibility and responsibility.
The idiom "for reasons" is commonly used to indicate that there are specific factors or justifications behind someone's actions or decisions.
The Captivating Enigma
For the love of is an idiomatic phrase commonly used in the English language. It is often used in a pleading or passionate manner, emphasizing one's strong desire or dedication towards a particular thing or person. The origins of this idiom can be traced back to the Middle Ages, where the notion of love was associated with devotion, loyalty, and intense affection.
This idiom is believed to have its roots in religious and romantic contexts, where the word "love" is used to express profound emotions and commitments. In religious texts, the phrase "for the love of God" is commonly used to implore divine intervention or express deep devotion towards one's faith.
Over time, the usage of "for the love of" has expanded beyond religious and romantic contexts. It is now commonly used in a wide variety of situations. People often use this idiom to express their dedication towards a hobby, a cause, or a person. It conveys a sense of passion and commitment, emphasizing the strong emotional connection one feels towards the subject at hand.
The structure of this idiom is simple. It starts with "for the love of," followed by the object or action that one feels passionate about. For example, one might say "for the love of music" or "for the love of cooking" to highlight their enthusiasm and devotion towards these activities.
It is important to note that "for the love of" does not always imply a positive or healthy attachment. In some cases, it can be used to express frustration, exasperation, or disbelief. For instance, someone might exclaim "for the love of sanity" when faced with a perplexing or irrational situation.
As with many idiomatic expressions, "for the love of" has become ingrained in everyday language and is often used without much thought to its literal meaning. Nevertheless, its usage continues to evolve, with new variations and nuances emerging in different contexts and regions.
This idiom can be further modified to create related expressions. One such variation is "for the love of me," which is used to express perplexity or frustration about one's own actions or circumstances. For example, one might exclaim "for the love of me, I can't figure out this puzzle!" This variation allows individuals to highlight their own frustration or confusion.
An additional modification of this idiom is "for reasons." This variation is used to express the underlying motivations or justifications behind certain actions or decisions. For example, one might say "for the love of cooking, I decided to become a chef." This variation allows individuals to articulate the reasons behind their passion or dedication.
Another related idiom is "for England." This phrase is used to describe someone who performs a particular activity with great fervor or enthusiasm. It is often used to emphasize the intense dedication or commitment of a person towards a certain task or endeavor. For example, one might say "she ran for England" to highlight someone's exceptional effort and dedication in a running competition.
"For the love of me," "for reasons," and "for England" are all variations of the original idiom "for the love of." They add further depth and context to the expression, allowing individuals to convey their own frustrations, motivations, and enthusiasms in a more nuanced manner.
"For the love of" is a versatile idiom that embodies the intense emotions and commitments associated with love. Its origins can be traced back to religious and romantic contexts, but it has since expanded to encompass a broader range of subjects. Whether used to express passion, dedication, frustration, or disbelief, this idiom showcases the diverse ways in which the English language can capture and convey human emotions.
Example usage
Examples of the idiom *for the love of* being used in a sentence:
- For the love of Pete, can you please just turn off the lights when you leave the room?
- I'm going to the store for the love of God, I hope they still have my favorite ice cream in stock.
- She continued to work on her art for the love of it, even though it didn't bring her much financial success.
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