Families are the heart of our lives. Idioms for Family shows symbol of unity and power. They shape how we grow, how we love, and how we connect with others. Over the years, the English language has developed many family expressions to describe these special bonds.
These sayings often reflect family values, support systems, and the ups and downs of family dynamics. Whether it’s about love, arguments, traditions, or growing up, idioms give us a colorful way to talk about the people closest to us.
In this article, we’ll explore 38 idioms for family that reveal how deeply language is tied to our experiences with loved ones. You’ll also discover their meanings and how to use them in everyday life.
Idioms for Family
Family is the cornerstone of our lives, and the English language is rich with idioms that capture the essence of familial relationships. These idiomatic expressions offer insights into familial bonds, family values, and the dynamics that make each family unique.
1. Blood is thicker than water
This idiom emphasizes that family relationships are stronger and more important than friendships or other relationships. It’s a testament to the enduring nature of familial support and emotional connection.
2. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree
Used to indicate that children often resemble their parents in behavior or appearance, highlighting the concept of generational phrases and family dynamics.
3. A family affair
Describes an event or situation involving all family members, reflecting family unity and togetherness quotes.
4. Home is where the heart is
Suggests that one’s true home is where their loved ones are, emphasizing emotional support and close-knit families.
5. It takes a village
Highlights the importance of community support in raising children, underlining the collective responsibility in nurturing the young.
6. Like two peas in a pod
Describes two people, often siblings or childhood friends, who are very similar or close, showcasing familial bonds.
7. Family ties
Refers to the strong connections and relationships and communication within a family, emphasizing the importance of family expressions.
8. A chip off the old block
Indicates that a child closely resembles their parent in behavior or appearance, reflecting parenting idioms and generational phrases.
9. To carry the torch for someone
Means to continue supporting or loving someone, often used in the context of familial support and enduring emotional connection.
10. Family is everything
A phrase that underscores the paramount importance of family in one’s life, highlighting family values and support system.
11. To have someone’s back
Signifies unwavering emotional support and loyalty, common in close-knit families and strong family dynamics.
12. To sweep something under the rug
Means to hide or ignore issues within the family, often leading to unresolved conflicts, emphasizing the need to resolve conflict.
13. To be on the same page
Indicates agreement and mutual understanding, crucial for maintaining relationships and communication within families.
14. To break the mold
Refers to someone who does things differently from their family, challenging traditional family values and generational phrases.
15. A shoulder to cry on
Describes someone who offers emotional support during tough times, embodying the essence of familial support.
16. To bury the hatchet
Means to make peace after a disagreement, essential for maintaining harmony in family relationships.
17. To hold the family together
Refers to someone who keeps the family united, often through emotional connection and strong family values.
18. To be in someone’s shoes
Encourages empathy by imagining oneself in another’s situation, fostering better relationships and communication within the family.
19. To keep the peace
Involves actions taken to prevent conflict, crucial for maintaining harmony in family dynamics.
20. To take after someone
Means to resemble a family member in appearance or behavior, highlighting generational phrases and family expressions.
21. To pass the torch
Symbolizes transferring responsibilities or traditions, often seen in family traditions and support systems.
22. To put all your eggs in one basket
Warns against relying solely on one plan or person, applicable in family dynamics and decision-making.
23. A family tradition
Refers to customs passed down through generations, such as a Sunday dinner tradition, reinforcing family unity.
24. To weather the storm
Means to endure difficult times together, showcasing the strength of familial support and emotional connection.
25. To grow apart
Describes the gradual distancing in relationships, highlighting challenges in relationships and communication.
26. To have one’s hands full
Indicates being very busy, often with family responsibilities, reflecting the realities of raising children.
27. To see eye to eye
Means to agree completely, essential for harmonious family dynamics and relationships and communication.
28. To keep in touch
Emphasizes the importance of maintaining contact, especially after events like a family reunion, to preserve emotional connection.
29. To hit home
Describes something that resonates deeply, often related to family values or experiences.
30. To be the black sheep
Refers to a family member who is different or doesn’t fit in, highlighting unique family dynamics.
31. To make ends meet
Means to manage financially, a common concern in families striving to uphold family values and provide emotional support.
32. To follow in someone’s footsteps
Describes pursuing a similar path as a family member, emphasizing family traditions and generational phrases.
33. To be a family man/woman
Highlights someone who prioritizes family, embodying strong family values and commitment.
34. To be thick as thieves
Describes a very close relationship, often among siblings or childhood friends, reflecting deep emotional connection.
35. To tie the knot
Means to get married, marking the beginning of new family dynamics and family traditions.
36. Skeletons in the closet
This idiom refers to secrets that a family keeps hidden because they might be embarrassing or cause problems if revealed. Every family has its private matters, and skeletons in the closet represent those hidden stories from the past that people prefer not to talk about. It reflects the complex nature of family dynamics and how some things are kept quiet to maintain harmony.
37. Run in the family
When a characteristic or habit is shared by many members of a family, people often say it “runs in the family.” This could be anything from physical traits like curly hair to talents like singing or even medical conditions. It’s a reminder of how deeply familial bonds and generational phrases are rooted in who we are.
38. Bring home the bacon
This idiom means to earn money to support the family. It comes from a time when bringing home food meant providing for your loved ones. Today, if someone says they bring home the bacon, it usually means they are the main source of income in the household. It’s all about making ends meet and keeping the family going strong.
Quiz on Idioms for Family
What does the idiom “blood is thicker than water” mean?
A) Friendships last longer than family.
B) Family ties are stronger than other relationships.
C) People are closer to friends than siblings.
D) None of the above.
Answer: B) Family ties are stronger than other relationships.
Which idiom suggests that children resemble their parents in looks or behavior?
A) The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree
B) A shoulder to cry on
C) Family ties
D) To be the black sheep
Answer: A) The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree
What does “it takes a village” imply?
A) Parenting is only for the immediate family.
B) Raising a child needs community support.
C) Cities raise children better than villages.
D) Children should be raised alone.
Answer: B) Raising a child needs community support.
Which idiom means to make peace and resolve conflict?
A) To keep the peace
B) To carry the torch
C) To bury the hatchet
D) To hit home
Answer: C) To bury the hatchet
What does the phrase “to be the black sheep” refer to?
A) The most successful family member.
B) A person who always gets blamed.
C) A family member who stands out negatively.
D) Someone who is always quiet.
Answer: C) A family member who stands out negatively.
What does “to keep in touch” mean?
A) To avoid seeing people.
B) To maintain communication with someone.
C) To stop talking to someone.
D) To move away from home.
Answer: B) To maintain communication with someone.
Which idiom shows emotional support during tough times?
A) A shoulder to cry on
B) To grow apart
C) To pass the torch
D) To take after someone
Answer: A) A shoulder to cry on
What does the idiom “to see eye to eye” mean?
A) To admire someone’s looks.
B) To agree or share understanding.
C) To compete with someone.
D) To ignore a situation.
Answer: B) To agree or share understanding.
Which idiom means to emulate someone’s path or career?
A) To make ends meet
B) To follow in someone’s footsteps
C) To bury the hatchet
D) A family affair
Answer: B) To follow in someone’s footsteps
What does “to tie the knot” mean?
A) To argue in a relationship.
B) To become best friends.
C) To get married.
D) To separate from a partner.
Answer: C) To get married
What does the idiom “to pass the torch” symbolize?
A) Giving up entirely.
B) Handing over responsibility or tradition.
C) Creating a fire.
D) Ignoring family duties.
Answer: B) Handing over responsibility or tradition.
What is meant by “a chip off the old block”?
A) Someone who’s very different from their parents.
B) A piece of furniture.
C) A person who closely resembles their parents in character or looks.
D) Someone who breaks family rules.
Answer: C) A person who closely resembles their parents in character or looks.
Conclusion: Idioms for Family
Understanding family idioms helps us connect more deeply with both language and the people around us. These household sayings reflect real-life experiences like love, disagreements, traditions, and growth. From “blood is thicker than water” to “tie the knot,” each phrase tells a story rooted in familial bonds and emotional connection. Using these idioms in conversation not only enriches our speech but also highlights shared values and memories. So whether you’re talking about your childhood friend or planning a family reunion, these expressions bring warmth and meaning to our everyday lives.
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