hearts and flowers
Ideal romance.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Their relationship is all hearts and flowers right now.”
“He expected their marriage to be all hearts and flowers, but he soon realized that real life requires much more work.”
“The novel begins with a scene of hearts and flowers, yet it quickly descends into a dark and complicated tale of betrayal.”
first recorded 19th c.
From the title of the song *Hearts and Flowers*, published in 1893. The composition gained widespread use as a standard accompaniment for melodramatic photoplay, providing the expected musical backdrop for scenes of sentimental distress during the era of silent film.
- 01
early hours
[Cockney slang]flowers
- 02
flower of the flock
Something exceedingly good or the best of its type.
- 03
give someone their flowers
To praise someone or to acknowledge their work or accomplishments.
- 04
heart of hearts
One's innermost private feelings.
- 05
hearts on sleeves
Transparent, open, or forthright emotions.
- 06
in the flower of one's youth
When one was young and happy.
Last updated August 10, 2026