love at first sight
Meaning
Falling in love immediately when you first see someone.
Origin
The phrase is rooted in the long-standing idea that a single glance can ignite love. It became widely used in English through literature and romantic storytelling, echoing earlier European themes (e.g., French/Italian expressions) about love beginning with the first look.
Notes
A common romantic cliché used in both speech and writing to emphasize an instant, powerful attraction; often said lightly but can be sincere.
Examples
-
It was love at first sight the moment they met at the coffee shop.
-
She always laughed at the idea of love at first sight until she saw him across the room.
-
Their friends teased them about love at first sight, but the couple proved it could be real.
-
He described their first date as love at first sight, even though they barely spoke.
-
For some people, love at first sight happens in an instant; for others, it takes time.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as a noun phrase: “It was love at first sight.” Also used after verbs like “be/feel” or “call it”: “They believe in love at first sight.” The wording is fairly fixed (don’t usually change “first” or “sight”).
Synonyms
- instant love
- instant attraction
- fall in love at first sight
Antonyms
- love at second sight
- a slow burn