[make] an honest woman (out|) of {sb}
1
to get married with a girl or woman one has been dating
The idiom "make an honest woman of one" is thought to have originated in the 16th century, when it was used to describe the act of marrying a woman who had been living with a man without being married. The phrase is derived from the idea that marriage is a way to make a woman "honest" or respectable. In the past, it was considered to be shameful for a woman to be unmarried, and marriage was seen as a way to protect her reputation and ensure her future. The phrase "make an honest woman of someone" can be considered old-fashioned. It reflects traditional societal expectations and values regarding marriage and women's morality.
- Daniel knew he had to make an honest woman of Rachel when they discovered she was expecting their child, so he proposed and they had a beautiful wedding ceremony.
- Tom had always wanted to make an honest woman out of his girlfriend, Lisa, and he finally got down on one knee and asked her to marry him.