What does “To love somebody (something) as the devil loves holy water.” mean?
"To love somebody (something) as the devil loves holy water" means to love something or someone intensely and completely, emphasizing the paradoxical nature of the situation by comparing it to the devil's love for holy water. Just as the devil hates holy water but cannot resist its power, the speaker's love is intense and all-consuming, regardless of any perceived flaws or negative qualities.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He loved her as the devil loves holy water. His affection for her was intense and unwavering, despite her flaws.
Example
She was obsessed with her new car, loving it as the devil loves holy water. She couldn't get enough of driving it and taking care of it.
Example
Their relationship was tumultuous, but they loved each other as the devil loves holy water. Their love was passionate and consuming, even in the midst of arguments and disagreements
Is “To love somebody (something) as the devil loves holy water.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“To love somebody (something) as the devil loves holy water.” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “To love somebody (something) as the devil loves holy water.” effectively in context?
You can use "To love somebody (something) as the devil loves holy water" to express intense and all-consuming love for someone or something, despite any flaws or negative aspects. It emphasizes the paradoxical nature of the situation by comparing it to the devil's love for holy water. For example, if a friend is deeply in love with their partner, you might say, 'They love each other as the devil loves holy water. Their love is so intense and passionate, nothing can break them apart.'
- 1Romantic Relationships
He loved her as the devil loves holy water. His affection for her was intense and unwavering, despite her flaws.
- 2Material Possessions
She was obsessed with her new car, loving it as the devil loves holy water. She couldn't get enough of driving it and taking care of it.
- 3Complicated Relationships
Their relationship was tumultuous, but they loved each other as the devil loves holy water. Their love was passionate and consuming, even in the midst of arguments and disagreements.
Similar phrases to “To love somebody (something) as the devil loves holy water.”:
Love someone/something to death
To love someone or something very much, often to an excessive or extreme degree
Example
She loved her cat to death. She would do anything for it.
Love someone/something to bits
To love someone or something very much, often with great affection or fondness
Example
He loved his old guitar to bits. It held sentimental value for him.
Love someone/something with all one's heart
To love someone or something with complete sincerity and devotion
Example
She loved her children with all her heart. They were her whole world.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “To love somebody (something) as the devil loves holy water.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "To love somebody (something) as the devil loves holy water" is unknown.
Is “To love somebody (something) as the devil loves holy water.” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "To love somebody (something) as the devil loves holy water" is not commonly used in everyday conversation. It is more poetic and literary in nature, and may not be familiar to beginner ESL students.
What tone does “To love somebody (something) as the devil loves holy water.” have?
"To love somebody (something) as the devil loves holy water" conveys a tone of intense and all-consuming love. It emphasizes the depth and passion of the speaker's feelings.
Can “To love somebody (something) as the devil loves holy water.” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "To love somebody (something) as the devil loves holy water" is more formal in nature. It is often used in literature, poetry, or in more artistic and expressive contexts.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
The phrase is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He loved her "as the devil loves holy water". His affection for her was intense and unwavering, despite her flaws.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I love you "as the devil loves holy water"' to express intense love.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- love someone/something passionately
- love someone/something intensely
- love someone/something wholeheartedly
- love someone/something deeply
- love someone/something fervently
Antonyms
- feel indifferent towards someone/something
- not care about someone/something
- dislike someone/something
- hate someone/something
- have no affection for someone/something
