Family plays a central role in our lives, and idioms about family reflect relationships, love, and connections. Here are 27 idioms related to family, along with their meanings and uses.
1. Blood Is Thicker Than Water
Meaning: Family bonds are stronger than other relationships.
Example: “He chose to help his brother because blood is thicker than water.”
Tone: Loyal, supportive.
Other ways to say it: Family comes first, kin over companions.
2. Like Father, Like Son
Meaning: A son often resembles his father in behavior or appearance.
Example: “John loves football just like his dad—like father, like son!”
Tone: Observational, affectionate.
Other ways to say it: A chip off the old block, runs in the family.
3. The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far from the Tree
Meaning: Children often resemble their parents.
Example: “She’s a great artist, just like her mom. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”
Tone: Appreciative, neutral.
Other ways to say it: Like parent, like child; takes after.
4. A Family Affair
Meaning: Something involving the whole family.
Example: “The business is a family affair, passed down for generations.”
Tone: Warm, traditional.
Other ways to say it: Family business, household matter.
5. Run in the Family
Meaning: A trait or habit shared among family members.
Example: “Tall height runs in the family.”
Tone: Observational, neutral.
Other ways to say it: Passed down, hereditary trait.
6. Born with a Silver Spoon in One’s Mouth
Meaning: Born into wealth or privilege.
Example: “She never had to work hard—she was born with a silver spoon in her mouth.”
Tone: Descriptive, sometimes critical.
Other ways to say it: Privileged birth, wealthy upbringing.
7. Keep It in the Family
Meaning: Keep secrets or traditions within relatives.
Example: “They kept the family recipe a secret—it stays in the family.”
Tone: Private, traditional.
Other ways to say it: Family-only, closed circle.
8. Skeleton in the Closet
Meaning: A hidden family secret.
Example: “Every family has a skeleton in the closet.”
Tone: Mysterious, secretive.
Other ways to say it: Dark past, hidden truth.
9. Big Brother
Meaning: An older brother or a controlling authority.
Example: “My big brother always looks out for me.”
Tone: Protective, sometimes overbearing.
Other ways to say it: Older sibling, guardian figure.
10. Mama Bear
Meaning: A fiercely protective mother.
Example: “She turned into a mama bear when someone criticized her child.”
Tone: Protective, affectionate.
Other ways to say it: Protective mom, mother hen.
11. Father Figure
Meaning: A man who acts as a mentor or guide.
Example: “Even though he wasn’t my dad, he was a great father figure.”
Tone: Respectful, admiring.
Other ways to say it: Mentor, role model.
12. Chip Off the Old Block
Meaning: A child similar to their parent.
Example: “He’s a chip off the old block—just as hardworking as his father.”
Tone: Complimentary, observant.
Other ways to say it: Like parent, like child; takes after.
13. The Black Sheep of the Family
Meaning: A family member who doesn’t fit in.
Example: “He was always the black sheep of the family with his rebellious ways.”
Tone: Negative or humorous.
Other ways to say it: Outcast, misfit.
14. Tied to One’s Mother’s Apron Strings
Meaning: Too dependent on one’s mother.
Example: “Even at 30, he’s still tied to his mother’s apron strings.”
Tone: Critical, humorous.
Other ways to say it: Overprotected, too dependent.
15. Kith and Kin
Meaning: Friends and family.
Example: “The wedding was attended by all their kith and kin.”
Tone: Traditional, warm.
Other ways to say it: Loved ones, extended family.
16. Wear the Pants in the Family
Meaning: Be the dominant decision-maker.
Example: “Everyone knows she wears the pants in the family!”
Tone: Humorous, descriptive.
Other ways to say it: Call the shots, take charge.
17. Be One’s Own Flesh and Blood
Meaning: Be a direct relative.
Example: “I must help him—he’s my own flesh and blood.”
Tone: Loyal, family-centered.
Other ways to say it: Blood relative, kin.
18. No Place Like Home
Meaning: Home is the most comfortable place.
Example: “After traveling for months, he realized there’s no place like home.”
Tone: Warm, nostalgic.
Other ways to say it: Home sweet home, comfort zone.
19. Old Enough to Be One’s Father
Meaning: Much older than someone.
Example: “He’s old enough to be her father!”
Tone: Surprised, sometimes judgmental.
Other ways to say it: Large age gap, significant difference.
20. A Mother Hen
Meaning: A person who is overly protective.
Example: “She’s such a mother hen, always fussing over her kids.”
Tone: Warm, slightly critical.
Other ways to say it: Protective parent, caretaker.
21. Breadwinner of the Family
Meaning: The main financial provider.
Example: “After his father retired, he became the breadwinner of the family.”
Tone: Responsible, important.
Other ways to say it: Main provider, head of household.
22. Hand-Me-Downs
Meaning: Clothes or items passed from older to younger family members.
Example: “As the youngest sibling, I always wore hand-me-downs.”
Tone: Neutral, sometimes nostalgic.
Other ways to say it: Passed-down clothes, secondhand items.
23. A Face Only a Mother Could Love
Meaning: A humorous way to say someone isn’t very attractive.
Example: “That dog has a face only a mother could love.”
Tone: Playful, teasing.
Other ways to say it: Unique looks, unconventional beauty.
24. A Father’s Day
Meaning: A special time to celebrate fathers.
Example: “We planned a surprise for him on Father’s Day.”
Tone: Celebratory, warm.
Other ways to say it: Dad’s special day, honoring fathers.
25. Baby of the Family
Meaning: The youngest child in a family.
Example: “Even at 25, he’s still treated like the baby of the family.”
Tone: Affectionate, teasing.
Other ways to say it: Youngest sibling, the little one.
26. Father Knows Best
Meaning: A father is often wise and experienced.
Example: “He didn’t believe his dad at first, but in the end, father knows best.”
Tone: Wise, respectful.
Other ways to say it: Dad’s wisdom, parental guidance.
27. Give Someone a Mother’s Love
Meaning: Show deep, nurturing care.
Example: “She took care of the orphaned children with a mother’s love.”
Tone: Warm, affectionate.
Other ways to say it: Show deep care, unconditional love.
Conclusion
Family idioms reflect love, loyalty, and unique dynamics. Whether about bonds, support, or humor, these expressions highlight the importance of family.
