cupid's arrows: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Literary, figurative, journalistic
Quick answer
What does “cupid's arrows” mean?
The mythological weapons of Cupid (the Roman god of love), said to cause a person to fall in love when struck by them.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The mythological weapons of Cupid (the Roman god of love), said to cause a person to fall in love when struck by them.
Any force or event, often sudden and intense, that causes someone to fall in love or feel strong romantic attraction. The phrase symbolizes the sudden and sometimes involuntary nature of love.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The phrase is equally understood in both cultural contexts due to shared classical mythology.
Connotations
In both, carries romantic, sometimes slightly old-fashioned or poetic connotations.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in UK media, particularly in tabloid headlines about celebrity romances, but the difference is marginal.
Grammar
How to Use “cupid's arrows” in a Sentence
[Subject/Agent] was struck/hit by Cupid's arrow(s)Cupid's arrow(s) struck/hit [Object/Experiencer]It seems Cupid's arrow(s) has/have found [Object/Experiencer]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cupid's arrows” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They seem to have been thoroughly cupid's-arrowed, judging by their constant gazing.
American English
- He got totally cupid's-arrowed at the company picnic.
adverb
British English
- He fell for her rather cupid's-arrowly, without any warning.
American English
- They connected cupid's-arrowly fast at the party.
adjective
British English
- Their meeting had a real cupid's-arrow moment about it.
American English
- It was a classic cupid's-arrow scenario in the coffee line.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Only in metaphorical or humorous reference to office romances (e.g., 'It seems Cupid's arrow struck in the accounting department.').
Academic
Used in literature, mythology, or cultural studies papers discussing love tropes.
Everyday
Used in conversation and media to describe the start of a romance, often humorously or fondly.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cupid's arrows”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cupid's arrows”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cupid's arrows”
- Incorrect apostrophe: 'Cupids arrows' or 'Cupid's arrow's'.
- Treating it as a singular concept when using plural verb forms (e.g., 'Cupid's arrows is...' should be 'Cupid's arrows are...').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are common. 'Cupid's arrow' often refers to a single instance of love striking one or two people. 'Cupid's arrows' can refer to multiple instances or the general concept of love's power.
Yes, though less commonly. It can imply love is painful, unwelcome, or inconvenient (e.g., 'I'm trying to focus on my career, not dodge Cupid's arrows').
'Cupid's arrow' emphasizes the external, causative force of love. 'Love at first sight' describes the immediate personal experience. They are often used together.
It is neutral but leans slightly informal or literary. It is common in journalism, fiction, and conversation but would be unusual in highly technical or scientific writing.
The mythological weapons of Cupid (the Roman god of love), said to cause a person to fall in love when struck by them.
Cupid's arrows: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkjuː.pɪdz ˈær.əʊz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkjuː.pɪdz ˈer.oʊz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Struck by Cupid's arrow”
- “Cupid's arrow has struck again”
- “Dodging Cupid's arrows”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a classic Valentine's Day card with a winged baby (Cupid) shooting a heart-tipped arrow. The arrow 'hits' the heart, causing love.
Conceptual Metaphor
LOVE IS A PHYSICAL FORCE / AN INJURY. (e.g., struck, hit, wounded by love).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'Cupid's arrows' be LEAST appropriate?