pine after

pine after (someone or something)

To desire or grieve over someone or something so intensely that one becomes depressed or melancholy. You can't just sitting here pining after your ex-boyfriend. It's over—you need to get out there and live your life! I can't stand these kids who pine after the latest, most expensive tech gadgets, even when they literally have no need for them!

See also: after, pine

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

pine after someone or something

 and pine for someone or something; pine over someone or something

to long for or grieve for someone or something. Bob pined after Doris for weeks after she left. Dan is still pining for his lost dog. There is no point in pining over Claire.

See also: after, pine

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.