intrude on a couple

Meaning

To interrupt, disturb, or involve oneself in the private life, space, or time of two people who are in a romantic relationship. It is often used when someone feels they are being an unwanted third wheel or violating boundaries.

Examples

• I didn't want to intrude on the couple, so I left the restaurant early.

  I didn't want to intrude on the couple, so I left the restaurant early.

• Her mother-in-law had a habit of trying to intrude on the couple's weekend plans.

  Her mother-in-law had a habit of trying to intrude on the couple's weekend plans.

• Please don't let me intrude on you two; I can find another table.

  Please don't let me intrude on you two; I can find another table.

• It is polite to ask before arriving unannounced, so you don't accidentally intrude on a couple.

  It is polite to ask before arriving unannounced, so you don't accidentally intrude on a couple.

• They valued their privacy deeply and resented anyone who tried to intrude on them.

  They valued their privacy deeply and resented anyone who tried to intrude on them.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I don't want to intrude in the couple.

  ✓ I don't want to intrude on the couple.

  The correct preposition to use with 'intrude' in this context is 'on' or 'upon', not 'in'.

• ✗ They felt she was intruding a couple.

  ✓ They felt she was intruding on a couple.

  The verb 'intrude' is intransitive here and requires the preposition 'on' when referring to people or their private space.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I decided to decline their dinner invitation because I didn't want to ___.

  💡 Disturb two romantic partners

  Show answer

  intrude on a couple

• Parents should respect boundaries and avoid trying to ___ during their first year of marriage.

  💡 Interrupt or impose on a pair

  Show answer

  intrude on a couple