couple (something) (on) to (something)
To connect or fasten two things together. We still need to couple the trailer to the truck before we can leave. I coupled the latch on to the peg, so it should stay secure. Can you help me couple the charm onto my bracelet? I can't do it one-handed.
couple (something) together
To connect or fasten two things together. We still need to couple the trailer and the truck together before we can leave. No, I coupled the two pieces together this time, so everything should be secure now. Can you help me couple the charm and the bracelet together? I can't do it one-handed.
couple up
To form a pair with someone else. The phrase is often but not always used to describe romantic relationships. When the teacher told us that we could work with a classmate on the assignment, I immediately coupled up with my best friend. I feel lonely because all of my friends are coupled up and dating right now. Don't couple up with David for the project, unless you enjoy doing two people's worth of work.
couple with
1. To connect or fasten two things together. A noun or pronoun can be used between "couple" and "with." We still need to couple the trailer with the truck before we can leave. I coupled the latch with the peg, so it should stay secure. Can you help me couple the charm with my bracelet? I can't do it one-handed.
2. To form a pair with someone else. A noun or pronoun can be used between "couple" and "with." When the teacher told us that we could work with a classmate on the assignment, I immediately coupled with my best friend. I feel lonely because all of my female friends are coupled with boyfriends right now. Don't couple with David for the project, unless you enjoy doing two people's worth of work.
3. euphemism To have sex with someone. A noun or pronoun can be used between "couple" and "with." My roommate hasn't been home any night this week—I wonder who he's coupling with. Bill didn't come home from the bar last night? Huh, maybe he coupled with that cute girl he spent all night talking to. Grandma just warned me about, and I quote, "coupling with" boys in high school—how embarrassing!
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
couple someone with someone
to join one person with another to make a pair. I coupled Todd with Amy for the dinner party.
couple something with something
to join one thing with another to make a pair. We coupled the budget issue with the staffing issue for our agenda.
couple up (with someone)
[for one person] to join another person to form a pair. I decided to couple up with Larry. Larry and I coupled up with each other. By midnight, they all had coupled up and were dancing.
couple with someone
Euph. to have sexual intercourse with someone. They coupled with each other in a night of passion.
couple with something
to connect or join to something. This railroad car will couple with the engine. These cars did not couple with the others properly, and there was almost an accident.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.