love-lies-bleeding

[ luhv-lahyz-blee-ding ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

an amaranth, especially Amaranthus caudatus, having spikes of crimson flowers.

love-lies-bleeding

any of several amaranthaceous plants of the genus Amaranthus, esp A. caudatus, having drooping spikes of small red flowers

First recorded in 1600–10

You know ‘love-lies-bleeding’ is a flower, but it sounds allegorical the way I have put it in.

You've looked more like a love-lies-bleeding just lately since you had your accident—though the master seems satisfied.

She has compared me on different occasions to a love-lies-bleeding and a black prize Minorca hen.

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