They had a white marriage for religious reasons.
white marriage
idiomAn unconsummated marriage.
Origin
disputed originCalque of French mariage blanc. “White” is the traditional symbol of purity and therefore of virginity. It may also refer to the absence of hymenal blood on the couple’s sheets.
After ten years together, she admitted they had a white marriage and were more like friends.
Though deeply devoted, the couple maintained a white marriage throughout their long union, finding intimacy in companionship rather than physical love.
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marriage bed
Sexual activity between a married couple.
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marriage penalty
A situation where a married couple pays more in taxes, typically income taxes, when filing jointly, than the two individuals would pay if filing as singles separately.
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wash a blackamoor white
To labour in vain, especially so as to present something as better than it really is; to whitewash.
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white bread
Bread made from white flour.
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white coat hypertension
Elevated blood pressure measured by a medical practitioner and deemed to result from the patient's emotional response to the medical environment.
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white hat
A good person; a hero.
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white lie
A deliberately untrue statement which is intended to produce a favorable result; especially, one which is judged to be better than an overhonest alternative, as for example to remain polite in a superficial social exchange, or to choose one's battles.
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white magic
Magic derived from good or benign forces, as distinct from evil or malevolent forces; or magic performed with the intention of doing good or giving aid.