What Does It Take to Be a 'Power Couple'?

And now, Words and Their Stories, from VOA Learning English.

In American English, we use many expressions to describe when two people have a lot of similarities or are very close. Here are some examples.

If we say two people are joined at the hip, they are nearly always together. If we describe individuals as thick as thieves, it means they are very close. People considered two peas in a pod have many things in common. And we use the term kindred spirits to describe people who often share the same opinions and interests.

These expressions can represent people who grew closer for different reasons. Maybe they complemented each other well in certain ways. Or maybe their situations brought them together for the purpose of completing something important or meaningful.

But today we are going to discuss a very special kind of relationship – one that involves two people who are romantically involved and very successful.

People in such relationships can be described as power couples.

There are many examples of famous power couples, including successful movie stars, musicians and others in the performing arts. But power couples can exist in many other industries and communities, as well. And, the two people do not have to work in the same industry.

If they do, however, that can make them even more powerful. For example, a well-known architect who builds homes could be partnered with a famous designer who decorates them. Or, one person in a power couple may be a music producer, while the other is a famous singer.

Even though power couples involve highly successful people, one person could describe their partner as their better half. This is a way to compliment their “other half” in the relationship. For example, one might say during a meeting with a friend, “Hello! How are you? And more importantly, how is your better half?”

Now, let’s hear two friends use some of these expressions.

A: Hey, I’m not used to seeing you alone. Where’s your sidekick?

B: Huh? Who are you talking about?

A: Ben. You guys have been joined at the hip for weeks. Looks like you’re thick as thieves.

B: Well, the project is pretty important for the company. So, we’re putting in a lot of hours.

A: Are you becoming kindred spirits from working so much together?

B: No. It’s just keeping us both very busy.

A: Busy trying to become the new power couple in the office?

B: What are you talking about?? We’re not thick as thieves or kindred spirits, and we’re definitely not a power couple. We are just working hard on the same project!

And that’s all the time we have for this Words and Their Stories. Until next time, I’m Anna Matteo.

Anna Matteo wrote this story for VOA Learning English.

complement -n. something that fills up, completes, or makes better or perfect : -v. to complete or enhance by providing something additional

romantically -adv. done in a way that relates or is associated with love : romantic -adv. of, relating to, or associated with love

architect -n. a person who designs buildings and advises in their construction

decorate -v. to make more attractive by adding something that is beautiful or becoming

compliment -n. an expression of respect, affection, or admiration : -v. to make an expression of respect, affection, or admiration

sidekick -n. a person closely associated with another as a subordinate or partner

◆ ◆ ◆

Word highlighting is estimated until aligned timings are added.