Wordxplr

The meaning and origin of interesting English phrases

For the love of it

Meaning

To do something purely for the intrinsic pleasure, passion, or enjoyment it brings, rather than for external rewards or obligations.

Origin

This phrase doesn't come from ancient texts or forgotten rituals. No, 'for the love of it' springs from something far more fundamental: the human heart itself. It's about that pure, unadulterated joy we find in an activity, a satisfaction that needs no external reward. Imagine a baker rising before dawn, not just for the customers, but because the smell of fresh bread and the feel of dough in their hands is a quiet pleasure. Or an artist painting late into the night, lost in color and form, driven by nothing but the creative urge. This simple phrase perfectly captures that innate human drive, allowing us to describe the profound, internal pleasure that compels us to do things simply because we adore them.

Examples

  • She spends countless hours tending to her garden every weekend, not for recognition, but simply for the love of it.
  • Many volunteers dedicate their time to the animal shelter, truly working for the love of it and the well-being of the creatures.
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