play Cupid

Meaning: To act as a matchmaker by trying to bring two people together romantically.

Language: English

Literally: (Already vivid in English)

Category: Daily Life

Origin: Cupid, the Roman god of love, is traditionally depicted shooting arrows to make people fall in love; playing his role means performing his matchmaking function.

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  • cut above — Superior in quality or ability; better than most.
  • allonger pour le compte — To knock someone out in a boxing match; to fell someone.
  • avancer masqué — To act in a hidden or anonymous way, concealing one's intentions or identity.
  • passer un savon — To scold or rebuke someone harshly.

More English idioms

  • bad blood — Persistent hostility or deep resentment between people.
  • pull teeth — To accomplish something with great difficulty, requiring much effort and persistence.
  • stumbling block — An obstacle or barrier that impedes progress or causes difficulty.
  • feet first — Dead, or in the manner of a corpse.
  • of the same leaven — Of the same nature, character, or type; alike.
  • as the crow flies — Directly or in a straight line, without roads.

From our untranslatable words

  • Madrugada — The liminal hours between midnight and sunrise — that strange, quiet time when the night…
  • Duende — A mysterious quality in art or performance that moves you to your core — a dark, soulful,…
  • Querencia — A place where you feel safe, grounded, and most fully yourself — a sanctuary from which y…

Browse all untranslatable words →

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