Idioms on family explain the different relationships that exist between the members. There are so many expressions in the English language that tell about its importance in the lives of people, such as “blood is thicker than water”, “flesh and blood”, and “like one of the family”. These English idioms show different relations that exist between the members of the family and the connection that is built among them. They have become a valuable tool for communication. Moreover, they show the importance of the bonds that are required among the family members. To understand the family idioms, let us understand their meanings with examples.
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Must Read: What is the Difference between Proverbs and Idioms
Blood is thicker than water
Family relationships are bigger than any other ones that exist in life. They are the important relationships that are built on trust and remain with you forever. People should keep the familial relationships first as they should be given priority over the other ones.
Example: John has to help his brother during the fight as blood is thicker than water.
A chip off the old block
The idiom is for the person who has something similar to other family members in appearance or character. If somebody is strongly resembling their parents then they are called as a chip off the old block.
Example: He just won the award his father won 25 years ago so he is a chip off the old block.
Also Read: Fish Out of Water Meaning with Examples, Synonyms
Flesh and Blood
The idiom “Flesh and Blood” is used to denote someone closer to you or likely to be a part of the family. It shows a connection that exists between the people who do not have close relations.
Example: She is her Flesh and Blood but still she treats him the wrong way.
Like one of the family
The idiom is mainly said for any person or animal who is the beloved of the whole family. It describes someone who is accepted by the family and loves living comfortably with you. Additionally, it describes close friends or members who became a part of the family.
Example: Mr James considers his friend Andrew like one of the family as he was always there in good and bad times.
Also Read: Throw Cold Water On Idiom Meaning, Examples, Synonyms
To follow in someone’s footsteps
To do the same thing that a person has done before. People used to follow someone who has achieved so much in life. The small child wants to be like the person in his family who has achieved something great and wants to follow in their footsteps.
Example: The young athlete is rightly following his ideal’s footsteps by playing wonderfully.
To keep it in the family
The idiom means to have faith and remain loyal to a family. Try to retain the family for generations or follow the business of the family. Additionally, the things that remain in the family are passed to the next generation.
Example: They are passing the family business to his son keeping it in the family.
Also Read: Kith and Kin Idiom Meaning, Example, Synonyms
The black sheep of the family
The family member is considered to be bad by others. Some worthless people exist in a family that are considered to be of no use. Additionally, a person who is considered to be a failure in life by a group of people.
Example: He is considered to be a black sheep of the family due to his smoking and drinking habits.
Born with a silver spoon in one’s mouth
The idiom “born with a silver spoon in one’s mouth” describes a person who was born into a wealthy family. Additionally, to describe somebody who has had a comfortable and luxurious life since the start.
Example: The newly-born child in Mr. Johnson’s family was born with a silver spoon in his mouth.
Also Read: Down in the Mouth Meaning, Examples, Synonyms
Fight like a cat and dog
Two people who continuously argue and fight with each other like kids. Mostly these kind of fights happens between siblings. Here, the relationship between the cat and dog is shown who dislike each other.
Example: The cousins are fighting like cat and dog over a toy.
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree
The children usually get some qualities or characteristics from their parents. If the parents have good qualities then the child will inherit them and if they have bad ones then they will adopt those. Likewise, the apple does not fall too far away from its tree.
Example: Her daughter sings well like her proving that the apple doesn’t fall from the tree.
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FAQs
Ans. The idioms on family members are ‘Flesh and Blood’, ‘A house divided cannot stand’, ‘Family Jewels’, etc.
The synonyms of family members are folks, parents, family, kith and kin, kinsfolk, etc.
Some of the idioms on friendship are ‘Peas in a pod’, ‘Like a house on fire’, ‘A shoulder to cry on’, ‘Any friend of’ etc.
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