a blind date
A social meeting between two people who have never met before.
Littéralement: A social meeting where you are visually unaware of your partner.
En 15 secondes
- A romantic meeting between two strangers.
- Arranged by a friend or third party.
- No prior visual or personal knowledge.
- Commonly used with the verb 'go on'.
Signification
Une rencontre sociale entre deux personnes qui ne se sont jamais vues auparavant, généralement organisée par un ami.
Exemples clés
3 sur 10Texting a friend
I'm so nervous for my `blind date` tonight! Wish me luck.
I'm so nervous for my blind date tonight! Wish me luck.
At a café
Hi, are you my `blind date`? I'm Sarah, nice to meet you.
Hi, are you my blind date? I'm Sarah, nice to meet you.
Discussing a job (metaphorical)
Starting this job feels like `a blind date`; I don't know anyone yet!
Starting this job feels like a blind date; I don't know anyone yet!
Contexte culturel
The concept of 'a blind date' reflects the Western shift from arranged marriages to individual dating in the early 20th century. It highlights a cultural value placed on serendipity and the 'magic' of a first meeting. While friends used to play matchmaker to ensure social compatibility, the 'blind date' added an element of modern risk and excitement. Today, it stands as a nostalgic alternative to the data-driven world of dating apps.
The Safety Exit
Always have a friend ready to call you with a 'fake emergency' if the date goes badly. It's a common cultural trick!
Don't say 'Blind Meeting'
In English, 'meeting' is for business. Saying 'blind meeting' makes you sound like a spy or a CEO, not a romantic!
En 15 secondes
- A romantic meeting between two strangers.
- Arranged by a friend or third party.
- No prior visual or personal knowledge.
- Commonly used with the verb 'go on'.
What It Means
Imagine walking into a busy coffee shop. You are looking for a stranger wearing a yellow scarf. You have never seen their face. You only know their name. This is exactly what a blind date feels like. It is a romantic gamble. You are meeting someone totally new. Usually, a friend thinks you two would be perfect together. Or maybe an app has matched you without showing photos. It is all about the unknown. You might find your soulmate. You might find a new best friend. Or you might find someone who talks about their cat for three hours. It is the ultimate social adventure. It is full of butterflies and 'what if' questions. You are going in 'blind' because you have no prior visual or personal knowledge. It is a classic way to meet people. Even in the age of Instagram, it remains popular.
Origin Story
Where did this mystery meeting come from? The term a blind date first appeared in the United States. It became popular among college students in the 1920s. Back then, 'blind' was a slang term. It meant something unseen or hidden. Before this, people called it a 'prop' date. That sounds like a theater rehearsal! The transition to blind date captured the feeling of being in the dark. It suggests that you are walking into a situation without your sight. Not literally, of course! You just haven't seen the person yet. The 1920s were a time of social change. Young people wanted more freedom. They wanted to meet people outside their small circles. Friends began 'fixing each other up.' This created a need for a name. A blind date was catchy and slightly dramatic. It has stuck for over a hundred years. It even inspired many Hollywood movies and TV shows.
How To Use It
You usually 'go on' a blind date. It is a journey you take. You can also 'set someone up on' one. This means you are the matchmaker.
- 'I am going on
a blind datetonight.' - 'My sister set me up on
a blind date.'
Always remember the article a. It is a singular event. If you are talking about the person, you can say 'He is my blind date.' The term covers both the event and the person. Don't say 'I am making a blind date.' That sounds like you are building a robot! Use 'go on' or 'have'. It is a very flexible phrase. You can use it as a noun or a modifier. For example, 'The blind date experience was weird.' It fits perfectly into daily English. It is a staple of romantic vocabulary.
Real-Life Examples
Think about a classic sitcom like *Friends*. The characters are always going on blind dates. They often end in disaster for laughs! In real life, it is more modern. Imagine a WhatsApp message from your cousin. 'Hey, I know a great guy for you. Do you want his number?' That is the start of a blind date.
- 'I was so nervous for
the blind datethat I wore two different socks.' - 'They met on
a blind dateand have been married for twenty years!' - 'Is
a blind datebetter than swiping on Tinder?'
In a world of social media, a blind date is rare. We usually see photos first. A true blind date is a brave choice. It means you trust your friend's judgment more than an algorithm. It is a story you will always remember. Whether it goes well or not, it is always an event!
When To Use It
Use this phrase when the lack of information is the key point. It is perfect for telling stories to friends. 'You won't believe what happened on my blind date!' It works well in casual blog posts. Use it when discussing dating trends. It is a great conversation starter. You can ask someone, 'Have you ever been on a blind date?' It is safe for almost any social setting. It is neutral and widely understood. You can even use it in a slightly formal way. 'They were introduced via a blind date.' It sounds polite and clear. It carries a sense of traditional romance. Use it whenever someone is meeting a stranger for a potential spark.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for a business meeting. If you haven't met a client, it is just an 'initial meeting.' Calling it a blind date would be very confusing! Your boss might think you are looking for love at the office. Also, don't use it if you have already seen their social media. If you spent an hour looking at their TikTok, it is no longer 'blind.' It is just a regular date. Avoid using it for non-romantic meetings. If you are meeting a new language partner, it is a 'language exchange.' Using blind date implies romance. It might make the other person uncomfortable. Keep it strictly for potential romantic connections. Don't use it for family reunions either. Meeting a long-lost cousin is just 'meeting a relative.'
Common Mistakes
Learners often try to translate it literally from their own language.
- ✗ I have an invisible date tonight → ✓ I have
a blind datetonight. - ✗ I am making a blind meeting → ✓ I am going on
a blind date. - ✗ He is a blind person date → ✓ He is my
blind date.
Another mistake is forgetting the article.
- ✗ I went on blind date → ✓ I went on
a blind date.
Remember, 'blind' describes the 'date'. It does not mean the person cannot see! It means you cannot see them before the meeting. Don't worry about being too literal. English speakers know exactly what it means. Just stick to the standard 'go on' or 'set up' phrasing. It will make you sound like a pro!
Similar Expressions
If you like a blind date, you might use these too:
Set someone up: The act of arranging the meeting for others.Fix someone up: A more casual version of setting someone up.To hit it off: When you like each other immediately on the date.A match made in heaven: A perfect couple that met this way.A double date: When two couples go out together, often to reduce the pressure.First impression: What you feel the moment you see yourblind date.
These phrases all help describe the world of dating. They add flavor to your stories. If you hit it off on your blind date, you might have found a match made in heaven!
Memory Trick
Think of the word 'blindfold.' On a blind date, your heart is wearing a blindfold. You are walking into the room without knowing who is there. You are 'blind' to their appearance. Now, think of the fruit called a 'date.' Imagine a tiny date fruit wearing huge sunglasses. It is waiting at a table for you. Blind + Date = Mystery Meeting. It is a silly image, but it works! Whenever you hear 'blind,' think of the blindfold. Whenever you hear 'date,' think of the social meeting. You will never forget it again. You are just stepping into the dark to find some light! Plus, everyone loves a good mystery.
Quick FAQ
Is a blind date still a thing in 2026? Yes, people are tired of apps! They want a human touch.
Do I have to pay? That depends on your culture! Usually, you decide at the table.
What if it's awkward? That is part of the fun! Just have an 'emergency call' ready.
Can it happen over Zoom? Absolutely. Virtual blind dates became very popular recently.
Who usually sets them up? Best friends are the most common matchmakers. They know your secrets!
What should I wear? Something that makes you feel confident but not like you're trying too hard.
Notes d'usage
The phrase is neutral but most common in social conversations. Always use the verb 'go on' or 'have' with 'a blind date'. Be careful not to use it for professional meetings, as it strongly implies a romantic context.
The Safety Exit
Always have a friend ready to call you with a 'fake emergency' if the date goes badly. It's a common cultural trick!
Don't say 'Blind Meeting'
In English, 'meeting' is for business. Saying 'blind meeting' makes you sound like a spy or a CEO, not a romantic!
Matchmaker Trust
In Western culture, going on a blind date shows you trust your friend's taste. It's considered a brave and open-minded move.
Use it metaphorically
You can use the phrase to describe any situation where you are going in without knowing what to expect, like a new hobby.
Exemples
10I'm so nervous for my `blind date` tonight! Wish me luck.
I'm so nervous for my blind date tonight! Wish me luck.
A very common way to share excitement or anxiety about a setup.
Hi, are you my `blind date`? I'm Sarah, nice to meet you.
Hi, are you my blind date? I'm Sarah, nice to meet you.
The standard opening line when meeting a stranger for a date.
Starting this job feels like `a blind date`; I don't know anyone yet!
Starting this job feels like a blind date; I don't know anyone yet!
Using the phrase metaphorically to describe a new, unknown situation.
Going on `a blind date`. Hope I don't spill my coffee! 🤞☕
Going on a blind date. Hope I don't spill my coffee!
A trendy, self-deprecating way to share life updates on social media.
✗ I am having a blind meeting tomorrow → ✓ I am going on `a blind date` tomorrow.
I'm going on a blind date tomorrow.
Do not use 'meeting' for romantic setups; use 'date'.
✗ He is a blind person date for me → ✓ He is my `blind date`.
He is my blind date.
Avoid adding extra words like 'person'; the phrase acts as the noun.
They first met through `a blind date` arranged by mutual colleagues.
They first met through a blind date arranged by mutual colleagues.
A polite way to describe the origin of a relationship in a formal setting.
Even after that disastrous `blind date`, I still believe in love.
Even after that disastrous blind date, I still believe in love.
Expressing hope despite a bad experience.
My cousin wants to set me up on `a blind date`. Should I do it?
My cousin wants to set me up on a blind date. Should I do it?
Asking for advice on a potential setup.
My `blind date` was so boring, I almost fell asleep in my pasta.
My blind date was so boring, I almost fell asleep in my pasta.
Exaggerating for comedic effect about a bad date.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank
The idiom is 'blind date', meaning a meeting with a stranger.
Find and fix the error
The correct phrasal verb for arranging a date for someone is 'set up'.
Choose the correct option
Which of these is the most natural way to describe the person you are meeting?
The phrase 'blind date' can refer to both the event and the person you are meeting.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Formality of 'A Blind Date'
Talking to siblings about a setup.
Ugh, my blind date was a disaster!
Standard way to describe the event.
I met my wife on a blind date.
Explaining the meeting in a speech.
They were introduced through a blind date.
Where a Blind Date Happens
Coffee Shop
Meeting for a quick latte.
Dinner
A more formal evening out.
Video Call
Modern virtual meetings.
Park Walk
A low-pressure outdoor date.
Group Event
Meeting at a friend's party.
Dating Terms Compared
Common Outcomes
Success
- • Hitting it off
- • Second date
- • Soulmate
Failure
- • Awkward silence
- • No chemistry
- • Disaster
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesI am going on a ___ date tonight with a friend of my sister.
The idiom is 'blind date', meaning a meeting with a stranger.
Trouvez et corrigez l erreur :
My best friend set me down on a blind date.
The correct phrasal verb for arranging a date for someone is 'set up'.
Which of these is the most natural way to describe the person you are meeting?
The phrase 'blind date' can refer to both the event and the person you are meeting.
🎉 Score : /3
Tutoriels video
Trouve des tutoriels vidéo sur YouTube pour cette expression.
Questions fréquentes
19 questionsA blind date is a social meeting between two individuals who have never met or seen each other before. It is typically arranged by a third party, such as a mutual friend or a dating service, with a romantic intention in mind.
The term uses 'blind' metaphorically to mean 'unseen.' It refers to the fact that you have no visual or personal knowledge of your partner before the moment you meet, leaving you 'in the dark' about their appearance and personality.
Yes, in standard English usage, the phrase is almost exclusively used for romantic setups. Using it for a business or platonic meeting would be considered incorrect and could lead to significant social confusion or embarrassment.
Most blind dates are arranged by mutual friends who believe two people would be a good match. They usually exchange basic information or phone numbers, and the two strangers then agree on a time and place to meet for the first time.
While dating apps have changed the landscape, blind dates are seeing a resurgence as people look for more personal, human-led introductions. Many find it refreshing to meet someone based on a friend's recommendation rather than an algorithm or a photo.
The main difference is the level of prior knowledge. On a regular date, you usually already know the person or have seen their photos and chatted with them. On a blind date, you are meeting a complete stranger for the very first time.
This often depends on the local culture and the specific individuals involved. In many modern Western contexts, it is common to 'go Dutch' (split the bill) to keep things low-pressure, or the person who initiated the idea might offer to pay.
It is best to stick to light, 'getting-to-know-you' topics like hobbies, travel, and movies. Since you know nothing about each other, the conversation is usually focused on discovering shared interests and seeing if there is any initial chemistry.
Awkwardness is a very common part of the experience! Most people handle it by staying polite and finishing their drink or meal before making a gracious exit. It is considered good manners to be kind even if you don't feel a connection.
Yes, especially since the pandemic, virtual blind dates have become a standard term. You can say, 'I have a virtual blind date on Zoom tonight,' and English speakers will understand that you are meeting a stranger via video for the first time.
The phrase is generally neutral to informal. It is perfectly fine to use with friends, family, and even coworkers in a social context. However, it wouldn't be appropriate in a professional business report or a legal document unless relevant.
A double blind date is when two couples, where neither pair has met before, go out together. It can also refer to two strangers being set up alongside an existing couple to make the situation feel less intense and more social.
In some regions, people might call it a 'setup' or 'being fixed up.' However, 'blind date' is the most universally recognized and used term across the English-speaking world, from the UK and USA to Australia and Canada.
The phrase originated in American college slang during the 1920s. It combined the word 'blind' (meaning unseen) with 'date' (a social appointment), reflecting the era's new freedom for young people to socialize outside of their immediate family circles.
Yes, you can use the phrase to describe the person you are meeting. For example, 'My blind date was ten minutes late.' This is very common and natural, as the phrase acts as both the name of the event and the partner.
A common mistake is using 'meeting' instead of 'date.' Saying 'I have a blind meeting' sounds like you are discussing a business deal without seeing the contract. Always use 'date' to ensure people know it is a romantic context.
In most English-speaking cultures, bringing a gift to a blind date is considered too much and might make the other person uncomfortable. It is best to just bring your personality and a friendly attitude for the first meeting.
You can politely say, 'It was nice meeting you, but I don't think we are a match.' Most people appreciate the honesty. Alternatively, you can just say you have a busy morning tomorrow and need to head home early.
This means you are acting as the matchmaker for your friends. You have identified two people you think would like each other and you have organized for them to meet for a date, even though they have never seen one another.
Expressions liées
Set someone up
related topicTo arrange a romantic meeting for others.
This is the verb action that usually leads to a blind date happening.
Double date
related topicTwo couples going on a date together.
A blind date is often turned into a double date to reduce social pressure.
Hit it off
related topicTo like someone immediately upon meeting them.
This is the ideal positive outcome everyone hopes for on a blind date.
Fix someone up
informal versionAnother way to say setting people up on a date.
It is a more casual, colloquial way to describe the matchmaking process.
A match made in heaven
related topicA perfect couple or combination of people.
This describes the best possible result of a blind date setup.
