Parenthood is a profound journey, marked by moments of joy, challenge, and immense learning. This blog explores 20 idioms that beautifully capture the essence and emotions of being a parent, offering a whimsical and wise perspective on this significant life role.
Idioms That Describe Parenthood
1. Bundle of joy
Meaning: A term for a newborn baby.
Example: Their bundle of joy arrived yesterday.
2. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree
Meaning: Children often resemble their parents.
Example: He’s clever like his dad, apple doesn’t fall far.
3. Like father, like son
Meaning: The son behaves like his father.
Example: He loves soccer, like father, like son.
4. Spitting image
Meaning: Looks exactly like one of the parents.
Example: She’s the spitting image of her mother.
5. Hold the fort
Meaning: Take responsibility, especially at home.
Example: I’m shopping; can you hold the fort?
6. Run ragged
Meaning: Exhausted from too many duties.
Example: Parenthood has me completely run ragged.
7. Cut the apron strings
Meaning: To become independent from one’s parents.
Example: He finally cut the apron strings at 25.
8. On one’s knee
Meaning: Involving young children or family.
Example: She learned to read on her dad’s knee.
9. Up the duff
Meaning: Slang for being pregnant.
Example: Did you hear? She’s up the duff!
10. Under one’s wing
Meaning: Protected and guided by someone.
Example: She took her niece under her wing.
11. Full house
Meaning: A family with many children.
Example: With four kids, they have a full house.
12. Bring up
Meaning: Raise a child.
Example: They bring up their kids strictly.
13. Born with a silver spoon
Meaning: Born into a wealthy family.
Example: He’s been born with a silver spoon.
14. New blood
Meaning: A new member adds energy to a group.
Example: The baby brought new blood to the family.
15. Blood is thicker than water
Meaning: Family relationships are the strongest.
Example: They stick together; blood is thicker than water.
16. Chip off the old block
Meaning: A child similar to their parent.
Example: A stubborn kid, chip off the old block.
17. Knee-high to a grasshopper
Meaning: Very young or small.
Example: I’ve known her since she was knee-high.
18. The birds and the bees
Meaning: A talk about reproduction and sex.
Example: He finally had the birds and bees talk.
19. Wear the trousers
Meaning: To be the decision-maker in the family.
Example: In their house, she definitely wears the trousers.
20. Through thick and thin
Meaning: Support someone in all situations.
Example: They’re parents together, through thick and thin.
