Family is often considered the cornerstone of our lives, providing love, support, and a sense of belonging. Understanding the dynamics of family relationships is essential, and being able to express those connections in English allows us to connect better with others from different cultures and backgrounds. Family idioms in English are not only helpful in describing various aspects of family life, but they also give insight into how different cultures value family. Knowing these idioms can make you sound more natural when discussing your family and personal experiences in English. In this blog post, we’ve prepared 15 idioms about family to help you expand your vocabulary and express yourself more effectively.
15 English Idioms About Family
Here are 15 idioms about family that you can use to describe different family dynamics and relationships. These idioms can help you better understand and express the connections and bonds within families.
1. To Run in the Family
Meaning: A characteristic, trait, or behavior that is common in a family, often passed down through generations.
Example: Musical talent runs in the family, everyone from my grandmother to my cousins plays an instrument.
2. Family Affair
Meaning: A situation or event that involves the whole family.
Example: The family reunion was truly a family affair, with everyone participating in the activities.
3. Family Ties
Meaning: The emotional relationships and connections between family members.
Example: No matter how far apart we live, we always stay close because of our strong family ties.
4. Blood Runs Thicker Than Water
Meaning: Family bonds are stronger than other types of relationships.
Example: Even when friends let me down, I can always rely on my family because blood runs thicker than water.
5. The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far from the Tree
Meaning: Children tend to resemble or behave like their parents.
Example: Jamie loves reading just like her mom. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
6. Like Father, Like Son
Meaning: Sons often resemble or behave like their fathers, either in appearance or character.
Example: John is so good at fixing things, just like his dad. Like father, like son.
7. Black Sheep
Meaning: A person who is different from the rest of the family, often in a negative way.
Example: Mark is considered the black sheep of the family because he decided to pursue an unconventional career.
8. Flesh and Blood
Meaning: Someone who is part of your family, usually emphasizing a close biological connection.
Example: I can’t stay mad at him, he’s my flesh and blood.
9. To Keep It in the Family
Meaning: To keep something, usually a secret or a business, only among family members.
Example: They’ve run that restaurant for generations, they like to keep it in the family.
10. A Skeleton in the Closet
Meaning: A hidden, embarrassing, or shameful secret that a family keeps private.
Example: Every family has a skeleton in the closet, but they don’t always talk about it.
11. A Chip Off the Old Block
Meaning: Someone who closely resembles their parents in appearance or behavior.
Example: Jake is a chip off the old block; he’s just as hardworking as his dad.
12. Home Is Where the Heart Is
Meaning: Your true home is the place where you feel the most love and comfort, not necessarily where you live.
Example: Even after moving to a new city, she realized that home is where the heart is; and for her, that’s with her family.
13. In One’s Blood
Meaning: A trait, skill, or passion that comes naturally because it runs in the family.
Example: Music is in her blood, her father and grandmother were both talented pianists.
14. Breadwinner
Meaning: The person who earns the main income to support the family.
Example: After her dad retired, her mom became the breadwinner of the family.
15. Family Man
Meaning: A man who is devoted to his family, prioritizing their well-being and spending time with them.
Example: Even with his busy job, Alex is a true family man who never misses dinner with his kids.
Example Sentences of Idioms About Family
You can practice these idioms with more example sentences to improve your understanding and ability to use them in different contexts.
– Athleticism runs in the family, both my parents were professional athletes.
– Sunday dinners are a family affair, with everyone pitching in to cook and clean.
– Despite their arguments, their strong family ties always bring them back together.
– He had to choose between his friend and his sister, and blood runs thicker than water.
– She’s just as competitive as her dad, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
– David picked up golfing at a young age, just like his dad; like father, like son.
– He’s the black sheep of the family, he’s the only one who didn’t study medicine.
– I may not agree with everything my daughter does, but she’s still my flesh and blood.
– They inherited the bakery from their grandparents, and plan to keep it in the family.
– Their family seemed perfect, but they had a skeleton in the closet no one talked about.
– Emma has her dad’s sense of humor, she is a real chip off the old block.
– He realized that no matter where he lived, home is where the heart is, especially when he’s with his kids.
– Cooking is in his blood, his whole family is made up of chefs.
– After finishing college, she became the breadwinner for her younger siblings.
– He turned down a promotion that required constant travel, because he is a family man at heart.
Frequently Asked Questions About English Idioms About Family
How can I use family idioms in conversation?
You can use family idioms in conversations when talking about your own family, other people’s families, or when discussing relationships. They help to express emotions and situations in a more vivid and relatable way.
Why are family idioms important to learn in English?
Family idioms help you sound more natural and fluent in English, as they are commonly used by native speakers. Understanding and using these idioms can make your conversations richer and more expressive, especially when discussing personal or emotional topics related to family.
How can family idioms improve my understanding of English culture?
Learning family idioms helps you understand how native speakers view family relationships, values, and emotions. These idioms reflect the cultural importance of family in English-speaking societies, and using them correctly can show that you’re familiar with the culture.
Are family idioms formal or informal?
Family idioms are generally informal, making them perfect for everyday conversations with friends, family, or even colleagues in casual settings. However, a few idioms can be used in slightly more formal situations if the topic relates to family or close relationships.
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