of all loves: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘of all loves’ mean?
The idiom "of all loves" is used to show surprise or disbelief. It is a variation of the phrase "of all things" and is typically used to emphasize the unexpectedness of a situation or event.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "sweet Mary mother of God" is an exclamatory phrase used to express surprise, shock, or awe. It is often used in moments of intense emotions or disbelief.
The idiom "say that" is used to express surprise or disbelief when someone makes a statement that is unexpected or hard to believe.
The idiom "say it all" means to fully express or reveal everything, leaving nothing unsaid or unexplained.
The idiom "quelle surprise" is a sarcastic remark used to express a lack of surprise or to mock something that is expected or predictable.
The idiom "out of this world" means something is extraordinary or exceptional, beyond what is ordinary or usual.
The idiom "out of the ordinary" means something or someone that is not usual or typical. It refers to a deviation from what is considered normal or expected.
The idiom "out of the blue" means something unexpected or surprising that happens suddenly, without any warning or explanation.
The idiom "out of proportion" means that something is exaggerated or not in the correct scale or proportion. It suggests that something is bigger, smaller, more important, or less important than it should be in relation to other things. This idiom is commonly used to describe situations, reactions, or emotions that are exaggerated or disproportionate.
The idiom "out of nowhere" means something unexpectedly or suddenly appearing without any prior indication or warning.
The idiom "out of nowhere" is a commonly used phrase in English language, primarily in the United States. It is often used to describe unexpected events or occurrences that seem to have no clear or logical origin.
The idiom "on the whole" means considering all aspects or generally speaking.
Unforeseen Passions
The idiom "of all loves" is a peculiar phrase that has a limited usage and is not commonly found in spoken or written language. It is primarily used in informal contexts, particularly in British English. The phrase is typically used to express surprise or intensity by emphasizing the noun it precedes. While its origin is not definitively known, it is speculated to have roots in Middle English and may have evolved from the phrase "of alle loves" which was used to intensify an emotion or feeling.
Despite not being widely known or used, the idiom "of all loves" still has distinct characteristics that can shed light on its usage and meaning. The phrase functions as an intensifier, implying a strong emotional response or reaction to the subject being discussed. It can be used both positively and negatively, depending on the context. When used positively, it can convey admiration, affection, or surprise. When used negatively, it can express frustration, disbelief, or disappointment.
Given its limited usage, "of all loves" is not commonly encountered in literature or media. However, there are some examples that can illustrate its application. In Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet," the character Capulet exclaims, "O me! what fray was here? Yet tell me not, for I have heard it all. Here's much to do with hate, but more with love. Why, then, O brawling love! O loving hate! O anything, of nothing first create! O heavy lightness! Serious vanity! Misshapen chaos of well-seeming forms! Feather of lead, bright smoke, cold fire, sick health! Still-waking sleep, that is not what it is!" This passage demonstrates the use of contrasting opposites to intensify the emotion of love, a technique which resonates with the essence of the idiom "of all loves."
The idiom "of all things" is related to "of all loves" and shares a similar usage. It is used to express surprise, irony, or emphasis when something unexpected or unlikely has occurred. For example, if someone were to say, "Of all things, I ran into my old high school teacher at the grocery store," they would be expressing astonishment or disbelief at the unexpected encounter. This idiom is commonly used in informal conversations and anecdotes.
The idiom "of all places" is another related phrase that is used to express surprise or disbelief, specifically in relation to the location of an event or situation. For instance, if someone were to say, "Of all places, I found my lost keys in the refrigerator," they would be highlighting the unexpected or illogical location of the keys. This idiom is often used in casual conversations to emphasize the irony or strangeness of a situation.
Returning to the idiom "of all loves," its usage and meaning can be further understood by examining how it relates to these related idioms. The phrase "of all things" shares the common theme of expressing surprise or intensity, but whereas "of all things" emphasizes the unexpectedness of a situation or event, "of all loves" underscores the intensity of a particular emotion or feeling. Similarly, "of all places" highlights the unexpected or illogical location of an event or situation, whereas "of all loves" intensifies the emotional response to a specific subject.
By incorporating these related idioms, the idiom "of all loves" becomes more nuanced and versatile in its usage. It provides a unique way to emphasize surprise, irony, or intensity in a variety of contexts. Whether expressing admiration, frustration, or astonishment, the idiom "of all loves" adds depth and emphasis to the English language. While it may not be widely known or used, its distinct characteristics make it a valuable addition to the linguistic tapestry that makes up our everyday conversations and written expressions.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "of all loves" can be used in a sentence:
- She chose to marry him, of all loves, her childhood sweetheart.
- He decided to quit his high-paying job and pursue his passion for art, of all loves.
- Of all loves, I never thought she would betray our friendship like that.
More "Romantic" idioms
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