pop the question
/pɒp ðə ˈkwɛstʃən/
Meaning
This informal idiom means to propose marriage to someone. It is almost always used in a lighthearted, conversational context when talking about engagements. It specifically refers to the exact moment someone asks, 'Will you marry me?'
Examples
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He bought a beautiful ring and is planning to pop the question this weekend.
He bought a beautiful ring and is planning to pop the question this weekend.
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She had no idea he was going to pop the question during their trip to Paris.
She had no idea he was going to pop the question during their trip to Paris.
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After five years of dating, everyone was wondering when he would finally pop the question.
After five years of dating, everyone was wondering when he would finally pop the question.
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He was so nervous to pop the question that he accidentally dropped the ring.
He was so nervous to pop the question that he accidentally dropped the ring.
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My brother popped the question yesterday, and she said yes!
My brother popped the question yesterday, and she said yes!
Common Mistakes
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✗ He popped her the question last night.
✓ He popped the question to her last night.
The idiom 'pop the question' is a fixed phrase. You cannot place an indirect object directly between 'popped' and 'the question'.
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✗ He popped the marriage question during dinner.
✓ He popped the question during dinner.
Do not add 'marriage' to the idiom. 'The question' already explicitly implies a marriage proposal.
Related Expressions
Practice
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He took her to the beach at sunset to ___.
💡 To ask someone to marry you.
Show answer
pop the question
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I think Tom is going to ___ tonight; he booked a table at a very fancy restaurant.
💡 To propose marriage.
Show answer
pop the question