What does “Dear John letter” mean?
"A Dear John letter" means a letter written to inform someone that a romantic relationship is ending.
What context can I use the in?
Example
She couldn't bring herself to write a Dear John letter and decided to break up in person.
Example
He was devastated when he received a Dear John letter from his girlfriend.
Example
Writing a Dear John letter is never easy, but sometimes it's the best way to end a relationship
Is “Dear John letter” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Dear John letter” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Dear John letter” effectively in context?
You can use "Dear John letter" to describe a letter written to inform someone that a romantic relationship is ending. It implies a sense of finality and often carries a negative connotation. For example, if a friend is going through a breakup, you might say, 'She decided to write him a Dear John letter to end things.'
- 1Breaking up
She couldn't bring herself to write a Dear John letter and decided to break up in person.
- 2Receiving bad news
He was devastated when he received a Dear John letter from his girlfriend.
- 3Ending a relationship
Writing a Dear John letter is never easy, but sometimes it's the best way to end a relationship.
Similar phrases to “Dear John letter”:
Break up
To end a romantic relationship
Example
They decided to break up after months of arguing.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Dear John letter” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Dear John letter" is believed to come from World War II. It was a common practice for soldiers to receive letters from their loved ones while they were away at war. However, if a soldier received a letter starting with 'Dear John,' it was usually an indication that their partner was ending the relationship.
Is “Dear John letter” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Dear John letter" is a well-known idiom and is commonly used in everyday conversation. While it may not be used as frequently as other idioms, it is still widely recognized and understood.
What tone does “Dear John letter” have?
"Dear John letter" conveys a tone of finality and often carries a negative or sad connotation. It is typically used to describe the end of a romantic relationship and the emotions associated with it.
Can “Dear John letter” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Dear John letter" is more commonly used in informal settings, such as casual conversations among friends or family. It may also be used in more formal contexts, such as discussing relationships in therapy or counseling sessions.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She decided to write a Dear John letter to end their relationship.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I received a Dear John letter' to imply the end of a relationship.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- end a relationship
- terminate a romance
- finish a love affair
- break off a partnership
- split up
Antonyms
- start a relationship
- begin a romance
- enter into a love affair
- form a partnership
- get together
