Did you finish a good meal and thank your partner for the food? They might respond with something like, "My mom always told me the way to a man's heart was through his stomach." This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this idiomatic expression.
Meaning
The phrase "the way to a man's heart is through his stomach" means that if you want someone to love you, all you have to do is cook them a good meal, and they will love you forever.
Since we value food so much, a person who can cook delicious meals is hard to find, and when you finally find someone who can cook well, you better hold onto them.
Usage
Husband: "Honey, that meal was fantastic; thank you so much."
Wife: "Well, you know what they say, the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. It's my pleasure."
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Boyfriend: "The way to a man's heart is through his stomach, and you surely understand the meaning of the saying baby."
Girlfriend: "I had no idea you liked my cooking so much."
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"That was the best meal I've had in ages. You must be the right woman for me. After all, the way to a man's heart is through his stomach."
Origin
The origin of the phrase, "the way to a man's heart is through his stomach," comes from a letter penned by the statesman John Adams in the early days of American democracy. In a letter to his wide, Adams wrote.
"The shortest road to men's hearts is down their throats."
Some years later, the phrase would appear in Richard Ford's "A Handbook for Travellers in Spain," where it reads,
"The way to many an honest heart lies through the belly."
Sometime after this use of the phrase, miss Mulock would use the term in her writings of "John Halifax, Gentleman," where she states that "the stomach was the way to an Englishman's heart."
Over a decade later, in 1872, author Fanny Fern would be the first to use the phrase in its current format. In 1899, author Jerome K. Jerome wrote the work, "On the Preparation and Employment of Love Philtres," where the phrase follows.
"Who invented that mischievous falsehood that the way to a man's heart was through his stomach?"
Phrases Similar to The Way to a Man's Heart is Through His Stomach
- They fed his stomach and found love in his heart.
- Love somebody to bits.
- Carry a torch for someone.
Phrases Opposite to The Way to a Man's Heart is Through His Stomach
- She's the worst cook in the world.
- She never cooks for me.
What is the Correct Saying?
- The way to a man's heart is through his stomach.
Ways People May Say The Way to a Man's Heart is Through His Stomach Incorrectly
The phrase "the way to a man's heart is through his stomach" is technically incorrect. It has nothing to do with a connection between the heart and stomach, as they are separate biological systems
Acceptable Ways to Phrase The Way to a Man's Heart is Through His Stomach
You can use "the way to a man's heart is through his stomach" when you're describing how your partner loves your food, and it's a big part of why they love you so much. Both men and women can use the phrase, but it's more common for women to use it in conversation. The term is also a compliment to one's partner on their cooking and a show of appreciation for the meals they provide you.