What does “Labor of love” mean?
"Labor of love" means a task or project that someone does because they enjoy it or have a strong passion for it, rather than for financial gain or obligation.
What context can I use the in?
Example
She spent hours meticulously crafting the handmade quilt, it was truly a labor of love.
Example
He spent his weekends restoring vintage cars, it was a labor of love for him.
Example
The artist spent months painting the mural on the side of the building, it was a true labor of love
Is “Labor of love” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Labor of love” 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 “Labor of love” effectively in context?
You can use "Labor of Love" to describe a task or project that someone does because they enjoy it or have a strong passion for it, rather than for financial gain or obligation. It emphasizes the idea that the person is willing to put in a lot of effort and time because they genuinely love what they are doing. For example, if someone spends hours meticulously crafting a handmade quilt, you could say, 'It was truly a labor of love.'
- 1Hobbies
He spent his weekends restoring vintage cars, it was a labor of love for him.
- 2Artistic pursuits
The artist spent months painting the mural on the side of the building, it was a true labor of love.
- 3Personal projects
She spent hours meticulously crafting the handmade quilt, it was truly a labor of love.
Similar phrases to “Labor of love”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Labor of love” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Labor of Love" is unknown.
Is “Labor of love” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Labor of Love" is a common expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe activities or projects that they are passionate about and enjoy doing.
What tone does “Labor of love” have?
"Labor of Love" conveys a tone of dedication and passion. It highlights the idea that the person is willingly putting in a lot of effort and time because they genuinely love what they are doing.
Can “Labor of love” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Labor of Love" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that conveys the idea of doing something out of passion rather than obligation. You can use it in conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, interviews, or professional writing.
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 spent hours meticulously crafting the handmade quilt, it was truly a labor of love.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'It's a "labor of love"!' to imply that the task or project is done out of passion.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- passion project
- labors of passion
- labor of devotion
- labor of affection
- labor of enthusiasm
Antonyms
- chore
- obligation
- duty
- job
- work for hire
