old flame

an/(one's) old flame

One's former lover. How am I supposed to forget about my old flame if I keep seeing her around town? Yeah, Ben is his old flame—they dated last summer.
See also: flame, old
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

old flame

n. a former sweetheart or lover. It is best to forget an old flame.
See also: flame, old
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • an old flame
  • an/(one's) old flame
  • make old bones
  • bolt bucket
  • mossback
  • a piece of old tackie
  • for auld lang syne
  • lang
  • auld
  • be (as) old as the hills
References in periodicals archive
You don't have to mention this old flame yet, but explain how you're feeling about sex and intimacy, and be honest that you're not willing to give up that side of things.
We're in love but there's no passion between us; DEAR COLEEN; Britain's most straight-talking problem page
[USA], Sep 10 ( ANI ): Seems like, Leonardo DiCaprio is rekindling an old flame as he recently appeared to be back in the arms of his former girlfriend Toni Garrn.
Leonardo DiCaprio, ex-Toni Garrn spotted holding hands in NYC
LAST week Hanssen was trying to bat away an old flame who'd turned up at Holby, tonight it's Serena Campbell's turn when she discovers that her ex husband Edward is the new locum anaesthetist who arrived a couple of weeks ago.
HOLBY CITY (8pm BBC1); WE LOVE DRAMA
With an old flame reappearing for Polly, a blossoming new career for Clare and a long-buried family secret in the mix, sparks are sure to fly.
Chick Lit; Girls' night in
Adam's old flame Rachel Kramer (Drew Barrymore), now a vociferous Greenpeace activist, rushes to the scene to help.
BIG MIRACLE; Also released this week..
They mistakenly believe Frank is Elise's old flame, a criminal who stole millions.
NOW SHOWING
So we ask experts if it's agood idea to rekindle an old flame
Should we open the Ex- Files?
He''s joined on his quest by old flame Marion and the resourceful Sallah.
Film
After his much hyped divorce, singer Peter Andre was spotted with his old flame Mel B, the former Spice Girl.
Mel B spices up AndreeIUs life
A pensioner is back with an old flame he fell in love with 50 years ago - a car called Emmeline.
Weird World
MORE bad news for Owen Wilson after hearing old flame Kate Hudson is getting pally with super cyclist Lance Armstrong.
Kate dates cycle ace
TOM Scully makes a surprise reappearance, competing with old flame Susan for the post of headteacher - and her heart.
tv & soaps: Torn between two lovers; neighbours
An angry osprey who smashed his mate's eggs when she went off with an old flame has fathered a new brood.
Back in the nest; NATURE
They are looking for people in Wales or with a Welsh connection who want to take a nostalgic look at their past and meet up with their childhood sweetheart or old flame.
Track down your lost love for TV