Sometimes, love can hurt or disappoint us, just like a rose can prick us with its thorns. The idiom “love is a rose with thorns” means that love is beautiful and rewarding, but it also comes with challenges and difficulties. The phrase implies that the beauty and joy of love are worth the pain and sacrifice, just like a rose is worth its thorns. This idiom is similar to another one: “Every rose has its thorn”, which also expresses the idea that nothing is perfect and everything has a downside.
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Usage With Examples
Here’s how you can use the above idiom accurately in a sentence so it makes sense:
- He knew that love is a rose with thorns, but he was willing to take the risk and propose to her.
- She realized that love is a rose with thorns when she found out that he had cheated on her.
- They had their ups and downs, but they never gave up on each other. Love is a rose with thorns, and they learned to appreciate the beauty and overcome the pain.
Also Read: 500+ Most Commonly Used Idioms in English
Synonyms and Similar Phrases
Here are some words and phrases having the same meaning as the above idiom:
- Every rose has its thorn: This is another way of saying that nothing is perfect and everything has a downside.
- No pain, no gain: This is a common expression that means that one has to work hard and endure difficulties in order to achieve something worthwhile.
- You can’t have your cake and eat it too: It means that one cannot expect love to be easy and flawless, but rather accept its complexities and imperfections.
- There’s no such thing as perfection: It means that one should not look for a perfect partner or relationship, but rather value the person and the bond they share.
- Love is not a bed of roses: It means that one should not take love for granted, but rather nurture and protect it.
Also Read: Reduce To Tears Idiom Meaning, Synonyms, Examples
Love is a Rose with Thorns Quiz
Here are 10 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) based on the idiom “Love is a rose with thorns”:
Q1. What does the idiom “Love is a rose with thorns” imply?
a) Love is always beautiful and easy
b) Love is beautiful but comes with challenges
c) Love is dangerous and should be avoided
d) Love is like a flower without any problems
Answer: b) Love is beautiful but comes with challenges
Q2. Which part of the rose in the idiom symbolizes difficulties or struggles?
a) The petals
b) The fragrance
c) The thorns
d) The color
Answer: c) The thorns
Q3. How can the idiom “Love is a rose with thorns” be interpreted in a relationship?
a) There are no challenges in love
b) Every relationship has both joys and difficulties
c) Love is a fleeting emotion like a flower
d) Love always fades over time
Answer: b) Every relationship has both joys and difficulties
Q4. Which of the following best reflects the idea of “Love is a rose with thorns”?
a) Sacrificing something for love
b) Completely avoiding love
c) Having a perfect love life without arguments
d) Falling in love at first sight
Answer: a) Sacrificing something for love
Q5. What does the word “rose” in the idiom signify?
a) The difficulties in life
b) The beauty and joy of love
c) The fleeting nature of love
d) The permanence of love
Answer: b) The beauty and joy of love
Q6. Which scenario aligns with the meaning of the idiom?
a) A couple breaking up because they face challenges
b) A couple overcoming difficulties to strengthen their bond
c) A person avoiding love to stay away from heartbreak
d) A person treating love as unimportant
Answer: b) A couple overcoming difficulties to strengthen their bond
Q7. The idiom suggests that love requires:
a) Effort and understanding
b) No commitment
c) Perfection and control
d) Avoidance of emotions
Answer: a) Effort and understanding
Q8. Which quote has a similar meaning to “Love is a rose with thorns”?
a) “Every rose has its thorn.”
b) “All’s fair in love and war.”
c) “Love conquers all.”
d) “Love is blind.”
Answer: a) “Every rose has its thorn.”
Q9. In the idiom, the thorns can symbolize:
a) Arguments and misunderstandings
b) Acts of kindness
c) Eternal happiness
d) Lack of commitment
Answer: a) Arguments and misunderstandings
Q10. How does the idiom encourage people to approach love?
a) Avoid love at all costs
b) Embrace the beauty while being prepared for challenges
c) Seek perfection in love
d) Focus only on the struggles
Answer: b) Embrace the beauty while being prepared for challenges
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FAQs
Another name for rose thorns is prickles.
Botanically, rose “thorns” are technically not true thorns; they are outgrowths from the stem’s epidermis and are called prickles. True thorns are modified branches, whereas prickles are much easier to break off.
A synonym for the word thorn could be:
Spike
Prickle
Briar
Spine
Barb
Here’s an example of how to use “rose among thorns” in a sentence:
“In a room full of harsh critics, she was the rose among thorns, always offering kindness and encouragement.”
It means someone or something stands out as beautiful, good, or positive in a challenging or negative environment.
We hope this blog helped you understand the meaning of this idiom, its usage in a sentence, and words and phrases similar to it. Explore more idioms like this daily by following the Learn English section of Leverage Edu. Happy Learning!