Meaning of "running into an old flame"

[Ann]

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #128 "Culinary delights", question 7

European cuisine always ......... a sense of nostalgia and romance, like running into an old flame.

(a) evolves
(b) evinces
(c) evokes
(d) evicts

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #128 "Culinary delights", answer 7

European cuisine always evokes a sense of nostalgia and romance, like running into an old flame.

Correct answer: (c) evokes
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Hello,

Can you explain what "running into an old flame" mean?

Thanks,

Ann

[Yankee]

Hi Ann

'Run into' means encounter by chance
'An old flame' is a sweetheart from the past

Amy
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"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln

[Kati Svaby]

Hello Amy,

Many thanks for your explanation that I like always very much. I wish the best to you for the year of 2012.

Evoke sth = to bring a feeling, a memory or an image into your mind: The music evoked memories of her youth. ( This happens to me several times as I am over 70.)
His case is unlikely to evoke public sympathy.

This verb evokes me the noun of nostalgia(U)= a feeling of sadness MIXED with pleasure and affection when you think of happy times in the past:
I am filled with nostalgia for my own collage days.