old flame
Past romantic partner
An old flame is a former romantic partner, typically one from the relatively distant past.
The phrase suggests lingering warmth—not a recent breakup but someone you once loved: I ran into an old flame at the reunion.
The fire metaphor implies the passion has cooled but isn't entirely forgotten.
Establish contact again
- reigniteCause to burn anew
- sparkTiny fiery particle
- reunionGathering after separation
- rekindleRenew something dormant
revive · reawakening · closure · reconciliation · restart · chemistry · attraction
Aching with prolonged desire
- unrequitedNot returned in kind
- yearningIntense prolonged craving
- achePersistent dull discomfort
- regretSorrow over past actions
torch · wistful · daydream · haunted · compare · idealize · fantasize · obsess
Wistful yet warm
- reminisceRecall past experiences fondly
- bygoneOf earlier times
- wistfulSadly longing for something
- fondnessWarm liking or affection
sepia · sentimental · flashback · retrospect · photograph · keepsake · memento · youth
reconnect
Establish contact again
rekindle · revive · reawakening · closure · reconciliation · restart · chemistry · attraction
pining
Aching with prolonged desire
- unrequitedNot returned in kind
- yearningIntense prolonged craving
- achePersistent dull discomfort
regret · torch · wistful · daydream · haunted · compare · idealize · fantasize · obsess · unresolved
bittersweet
Wistful yet warm
fondness · sepia · sentimental · flashback · retrospect · photograph · keepsake · memento · youth · tender
- fire idiomsplay with fire, fight fire with fire, fan the flames, add fuel to fire, on fire
- loverslover, lovers, beloved, sweethearts, sweetheart
- nostalgic romancefirst love, lost love, summer romance, high school sweetheart, love letters
- reconnectingreunion, reconciliation, renewal, mending, catching up
- exesex, ex-boyfriend, ex-girlfriend, ex-husband, ex-wife
- loveadoration, affection, amour, attraction, beloved