Family is a central theme in many cultures and languages, often explored through colorful idioms that reflect the complexity, warmth, and sometimes the chaos of familial relationships. These expressions provide insight into common perceptions and values related to family life.
Idioms That Describe Family
1. Blood is thicker than water
Meaning: Family loyalty is strongest.
Example: He forgave her; blood is thicker than water.
2. Like father, like son
Meaning: Sons resemble their fathers.
Example: He’s stubborn—like father, like son.
3. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree
Meaning: Children take after their parents.
Example: She’s also a singer—the apple doesn’t fall far.
4. Black sheep of the family
Meaning: A family’s odd or bad member.
Example: Joe’s the black sheep of the family.
5. Family ties
Meaning: Family relationships and loyalties.
Example: Family ties kept them united.
6. Flesh and blood
Meaning: Someone related by blood.
Example: I couldn’t betray my flesh and blood.
7. In someone’s good books
Meaning: Favored by someone.
Example: She’s in mom’s good books now.
8. Run in the family
Meaning: A family trait.
Example: Brilliance seems to run in the family.
9. Bring home the bacon
Meaning: Earn for the family.
Example: He works hard to bring home the bacon.
10. A house divided
Meaning: A family in disagreement.
Example: Their house divided will not stand.
11. Home is where the heart is
Meaning: Home is loved ones, not a place.
Example: I travel, but home is where the heart is.
12. Wear the trousers
Meaning: Be the family decision-maker.
Example: In their house, she wears the trousers.
13. Family tree
Meaning: A diagram showing family relationships.
Example: She traced her roots via the family tree.
14. Skeletons in the closet
Meaning: Hidden family secrets.
Example: Every family has skeletons in the closet.
15. Spitting image
Meaning: Looks exactly like a family member.
Example: He’s the spitting image of his dad.
16. Tie the knot
Meaning: Get married.
Example: They plan to tie the knot soon.
17. On the family way
Meaning: Pregnant.
Example: She’s on the family way again.
18. Bloodline
Meaning: Direct family descent.
Example: A noble bloodline flows in him.
19. Full house
Meaning: A family with many children.
Example: They’re a full house with five kids.
20. Chip off the old block
Meaning: A child resembling a parent.
Example: He’s clever—a chip off the old block.
