Family expressions often capture the bonds, challenges, and dynamics unique to families. Here are 20 idioms and phrasal verbs related to family.
Family Expressions
- Chip off the old block
- Meaning: Resemble a parent closely.
- Example: He’s a chip off the old block.
- Blood is thicker than water
- Meaning: Family relationships are the strongest.
- Example: He helped his sister; blood is thicker.
- Black sheep of the family
- Meaning: The odd one in the family.
- Example: He’s the black sheep of the family.
- Run in the family
- Meaning: A common family trait.
- Example: Good looks run in the family.
- Like father, like son
- Meaning: Sons resemble their fathers.
- Example: He’s just like his dad—like father, like son.
- Bring home the bacon
- Meaning: Earn a living for the family.
- Example: She works hard to bring home the bacon.
- Apple of someone’s eye
- Meaning: Someone’s cherished family member.
- Example: His daughter is the apple of his eye.
- Born with a silver spoon in mouth
- Meaning: Born into a wealthy family.
- Example: He was born with a silver spoon.
- Mama’s boy
- Meaning: A boy overly attached to his mother.
- Example: He’s always calling his mom—a mama’s boy.
- Tie the knot
- Meaning: Get married and start a family.
- Example: They tied the knot last spring.
- Family man
- Meaning: A man devoted to his family.
- Example: He’s a family man; loves his kids.
- Have skeletons in the closet
- Meaning: Have hidden family secrets.
- Example: Every family has skeletons in the closet.
- Wear the pants in the family
- Meaning: Be the decision-maker at home.
- Example: His wife wears the pants in the family.
- Breadwinner
- Meaning: The primary earner in the family.
- Example: As the breadwinner, he pays the bills.
- Family ties
- Meaning: Strong connections within a family.
- Example: Despite everything, their family ties remain.
- Meet the parents
- Meaning: Introduce a partner to one’s parents.
- Example: She finally met the parents last weekend.
- Empty nest
- Meaning: Parents whose children have left home.
- Example: They are adjusting to their empty nest.
- Get along with
- Meaning: Have a good relationship with someone.
- Example: She gets along well with her cousins.
- Close-knit family
- Meaning: A family with strong relationships.
- Example: They’ve always been a close-knit family.
- Family affair
- Meaning: Something involving the entire family.
- Example: Sunday dinners are always a family affair.
