English Reference
Idiom idiom

get a room


Used to instruct a couple to stop displaying romantic or physical affection in public.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

They are kissing again, so I told them to get a room.

CONTEXTUAL

The couple at the next table would not stop flirting, so my friend jokingly told them to get a room.

COMPLEX

Disturbed by the excessive public display of affection, the waiter dryly suggested that the pair should get a room.


The expression is a suggestion that a couple might do well to rent a hotel or motel room to continue their amorous activities in private. It first appeared in the late 20th century as a blunt social corrective for public displays of affection.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    as it gets

    As it is possible to be.

  2. 02

    assume room temperature

    To die; to be killed.

  3. 03

    baby elephant in the room

    An obvious but mostly inconsequential issue.

  4. 04

    been there, done that, got the T-shirt

    Alternative form of been there, done that, bought the T-shirt.

  5. 05

    can't get enough

    Greatly enjoys; likes a lot.

  6. 06

    cat got someone's tongue

    Why is someone not saying anything?

  7. 07

    could not get elected dogcatcher

    Said of someone, particularly a politician, who is extremely unpopular.

  8. 08

    don't get someone started

    Used to attempt to avoid or abbreviate a discussion that speaker or hearer may wish to avoid.

Last updated August 10, 2026