English idiom

eternal triangle

Register · Neutral CEFR C1

Post

Figurative meaning

a persistent love rivalry among three people whose attachments conflict

Word picture

Three people are pictured as the points of a triangle, joined by relationship lines that keep the conflict going.

Example

“The novel follows an eternal triangle in which two friends fall in love with the same woman.”

Dictionary details

Component words

eternal triangle

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

bury the hatchet

to reconcile with someone and bring a quarrel to an end

kiss and make up

to reconcile and become friendly again after an argument

mend fences

to rebuild friendly relations after a dispute

a bone of contention

a subject that causes disagreement or argument between people

it takes two to tango

both parties are responsible for a situation

keep the peace

to prevent conflict and maintain calm between people or groups

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

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