Learn 20 Interesting Family Expressions

Family expressions often capture the bonds, challenges, and dynamics unique to families. Here are 20 idioms and phrasal verbs related to family.

Family Expressions

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

family expressions