walk down the aisle

/wɔːk daʊn ði eɪl/
phrasal verbIntermediate
What It Really Means
To commit to marriage or a significant partnership.
Literal Meaning
To move on foot toward the altar in a wedding ceremony.
Literal Breakdown
walkto move on foot+downtoward a lower position+the aislea central passage in a church or venue
Mental Image
The mental image of a bride or couple moving toward the altar during a wedding ceremony.
When to Use
During a wedding, the bride walks down the aisle toward her partner, symbolizing their commitment to each other.
Cultural Note
This phrase is rooted in Western wedding traditions, particularly in Christian ceremonies, where the aisle represents the path to the altar and the beginning of a marriage.
formal

To proceed toward marriage by walking toward one's partner during a wedding ceremony.

After years of dating, they finally walked down the aisle together.

They got married after a long relationship.

💡

This phrase is commonly used in the context of weddings and marriage ceremonies.

Collocations

walk down the aisle withto accompany someone during a wedding ceremony

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

tie the knotidiom
to get married
say 'I do'phrase
to agree to marry someone

💡Pro Tip

Cultural Context

This phrase is deeply tied to Western wedding traditions, particularly in Christian ceremonies.

Gold Rule

Formal Usage

Use this phrase in formal or celebratory contexts, such as weddings or marriage-related discussions.

📖Word Origin

The phrase originates from the traditional wedding ceremony where the bride walks down the aisle (a central passage in a church or venue) toward the altar and her partner.

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is typically used in formal or celebratory contexts related to weddings. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a significant commitment or partnership.

Word Breakdown

walk
to move on foot
root
+
down
toward a lower position or destination
preposition
+
the aisle
a central passage in a church or venue
noun phrase
English Dictionary