The bloom is off the rose

Posted by Smokey Stover February 22, 2006In reply to The bloom is off the rose Posted by Stephen Edwards on February 22, 2006

What does the phrase "the bloom is off the rose mean. What is its origin?

When the bloom is off the rose, it means, figuratively, that whatever you are talking about has lost its first freshness, it's former beauty and allure. Literally, it means, of course, that the blooms of the rose have withered and dropped. Similar phrases were used in the 18th century, but I don't know about that particular phrase, which is now quite common. It connotes a degree of disenchantment, and when was that not common?

Replies

The bloom is off the rose ESC 23/February/06
- The bloom is off the rose Bob 23/February/06
  - The bloom is off the rose Smokey Stover 23/February/06
    - The bloom is off the rose ESC 25/February/06