home sweet home
Meaning
Used to express pleasure or relief at being back in one’s own home, implying home is the most comfortable place.
Origin
Popularized as a sentimental phrase in English through John Howard Payne’s 1823 song “Home! Sweet Home!” from the opera *Clari, or the Maid of Milan*, reinforcing the idea that home is best.
Notes
A warm, sometimes sentimental phrase said on returning home; also common as a decorative motto. Typically friendly and informal.
Examples
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After three weeks on the road, I walked through the door and thought, "Home sweet home."
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The hotel was nice, but nothing beats home sweet home.
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Once we unpacked the last box, we finally felt like it was home sweet home.
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He kicked off his shoes, sank into the couch, and sighed, "Home sweet home."
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Even with all its quirks, this little apartment is home sweet home to me.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed phrase, usually exclaimed as-is (“Home sweet home!”). Sometimes preceded by “Welcome to…” or used as a motto; rarely inflected or altered.
Synonyms
- there’s no place like home
- home at last
- back where I belong
Antonyms
- anywhere but home