[Idiom] sweep sb off their feet

[thedaffodils]

The definition of the idiom as below is from the Cambridge Dictionary. I've understood the meaning of the idiom, but I am not clear about why 'sweep sb off their feet' refers to fall in love with someone.

sweep sb off their feet
to make someone become suddenly and completely in love with you:
The first time he met her, he was completely swept off his feet.

And I read a report from the Daily Mail. Here's a sentence:

Swept off her feet: Jason Bell gallantly lifts his girlfriend over a puddle.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz...xy-bikini.html
(The subtitle of the last picture)

I think it is a pun about 'Swept off her feet'. Am I right? Does 'sweep off one's feet' also mean lift up for feet in the context?

Could someone please help me out? Thanks!

[jlinger]

Yes, the caption is a pun on the idiom. He picked her up (swept her up in his arms) and carried her over the puddle.

The original idiom suggests that when you are suddenly "swept up" in the early emotion of love, you may feel light-headed, giddy, faint. Your heart is in your throat would be another way of saying it, perhaps. Dizzy, certainly. Put all those physical reactions to this strong emotional attraction and you are "swept off your feet."

There is also a background image of the knight in shining armour atop his charging white destier, reaching down to sweep the lovestruck damsel out of the haystack and into his arms as they gallop off into the sunset.

[thedaffodils]

Hi Jlinger,

Thank you for your cool interpretation. I got it.

There is also a background image of the knight in shining armour atop his charging white destier, reaching down to sweep the lovestruck damsel out of the haystack and into his arms as they gallop off into the sunset.

This is so romantic.

[SUDHKAMP]

Originally Posted by thedaffodils

Hi Jlinger,

Thank you for your cool interpretation. I got it.



This is so romantic.

Does it refer to the romantic age in English literature?

[FenderStrat]

Originally Posted by thedaffodils

I know little about English literature. I refer to sunset, white horse, and love, which composes a wonderful picture in my imagination.

Didn't know it had anything to do with that :P

I love the quote, I first heard from a song, I use it often too "He totally swept me off my feet!"