露水情缘
lù shuǐ qíng yuán
ZH
A brief, casual, temporary romantic or sexual relationship that is not expected to last long
他们都知道这只是一段露水情缘，没人承诺未来。
Both of them knew this was just a brief casual affair, and no one promised a future together.
Etymology
This is a modern Chinese idiom that draws a comparison between a short relationship and morning dew—dew forms quickly overnight and evaporates as soon as the sun rises, just like the relationship ends very soon.
Memory Aid
Break the word into parts: 露水 means morning dew, which vanishes quickly in sunlight; 情缘 means romantic relationship. Imagine a short romance that fades as quickly as morning dew, and you will remember the meaning easily.
Collocations
一段露水情缘一场露水情缘
Antonyms
白头偕老百年好合
Related Words
暧昧恋情桃花运