hearts and flowers

noun

(used with a singular or plural verb)

1. maudlin sentimentality.

   The play is a period piece, full of innocence abused and hearts and flowers.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hearts and flowers¹

An Americanism dating back to 1940–45

Example Sentences

But it's not all hearts and flowers.

Read more on BBC

Is it John Cusack, holding that boom box aloft in “Say Anything” or curating mixtapes in “High Fidelity”? Do you picture Ryan Gosling squeezing the hearts and flowers out of Rachel McAdams’ face in “The Notebook,” or any of the problematic dudes who strung along Molly Ringwald in your pick of John Hughes movies?

Read more on Salon

“Tomorrow, Valentine’s Day. That’s great. I’m happy for you if you’re in love. What happens if this day rolls around and everybody’s parading their hearts and flowers and love in front of you, and you don’t have love in your life?”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Woo cuts everything from sandwiches and cheese to fruits and vegetables into fun shapes like stars, hearts, and flowers.

Read more on Salon

But they greeted neighbors and watched as everyone knelt on the asphalt and drew hearts and flowers and wrote messages such as “Protect Our Kids” and “Safe Streets.”

Read more on Washington Post

Related Words

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