💘 A Match Made in Heaven: Pairings Destined for Greatness 🌟
Definition: A match decreed by destiny; a very successful pairing. Already a well-known adage by the mid-sixteenth century, this term was quoted many times over and appeared in numerous proverb collections. It was often used sarcastically but was largely confined to actual matrimony until the twentieth century, when it began to be applied to other kinds of match— as, for example, a merger of two business corporations.
Synonyms:
- A perfect couple
- A dream team
- A match for the ages
- Soulmates
- Peas in a pod
Antonyms:
- An odd couple
- Oil and water
- A match made in Hades
- Chalk and cheese
- Strange bedfellows
Humor-filled quotes:
- “Finding a perfect match is like finding a unicorn—rare, magical, and often non-existent.” – Penelope Jokesworthy
- “Some matches are made in heaven; others are made under the influence of very strong tequila.” – Anonymous
Proverbs & Related Expressions:
- “They go together like peanut butter and jelly.”
- “Made for each other.”
- “Like two peas in a pod.”
- “The yin to one’s yang.”
Literature & Media:
Books:
- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen – Lizzy and Mr. Darcy, a quintessential literary match.
- Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare – Though tragic, undeniable chemistry!
Movies:
- When Harry Met Sally – The ultimate romantic comedy showcasing a destined match.
- Jerry Maguire – “You complete me.”
Songs:
- “Match Made in Heaven” by Lana Del Rey – Exploring fated connections.
- “Perfect Pair” by The Partridge Family – A groovy take on harmonious togetherness.
Poetry:
- “How Do I Love Thee?” by Elizabeth Barrett Browning – Celebrating a destined love.
### Which of these match-related metaphors means a perfect and successful pairing?
- [x] A match made in heaven
- [ ] A match for mud and water
- [ ] A disaster on Britney Street
- [ ] A conjunction of comic errors
> **Explanation:** "A match made in heaven" refers to a perfect and successful pairing, destined by fate or luck.
### True or False: The phrase "a match made in heaven" was always used sarcastically
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** While often used sarcastically, the phrase has been genuinely applied (especially originally) to successful and fitting pairings, especially in matrimony.
### Which pairing showcases a "match made in heaven" in literature?
- [ ] Voldemort and Harry Potter
- [ ] Cathy and Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights
- [x] Lizzy and Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice
- [ ] Gollum and the One Ring in The Lord of the Rings
> **Explanation:** Lizzy and Mr. Darcy from Jane Austen's *Pride and Prejudice* is a classic example of a "match made in heaven."
### Choose the expression that is NOT a synonym for "a match made in heaven":
- [x] An odd couple
- [ ] A perfect couple
- [ ] Soulmates
- [ ] A dream team
> **Explanation:** "An odd couple" is not a synonym for "a match made in heaven"; it implies a mismatched or unusual pairing.
### Which of these idioms does NOT describe a harmonious partnership?
- [ ] Peas in a pod
- [ ] Made for each other
- [x] Chalk and cheese
- [ ] Two of a kind
> **Explanation:** "Chalk and cheese" refers to things that are starkly different and do not go well together.
And there you have it! Dive into the many facets of clichés and explore their amusing yet profound impact on our language and culture. 📚✨ Until next time, may your word journeys be ever delightful and insightful.
Please do suggest things to dive deeper into! - Sue N. Bullock
