Family Idioms
Agnes
British English
William
British English
Olivia
American English
James
American English
Charlotte
AUS English
Amaia
NZ English
Lethabo
SA English
Geetha
IND English
1. Blood is thicker than water
It denotes that family ties and loyalty are stronger than other types of relationships.
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My family may drive me crazy sometimes, but when it comes down to it, blood is thicker than water
Even though my sister and I are very different, we always support each other because we know that blood is thicker than water
I may not always get along with my parents, but I know that they will always have my back because of the saying "blood is thicker than water."
When my cousin was in trouble, I didn't hesitate to help him because I believe that blood is thicker than water
Even though we live in different parts of the country, my extended family always stays in touch because of the importance of family and the saying "blood is thicker than water."
2. Like father, like son
It describes that a son will often have similar traits and behaviors to his father.
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Tom is just like his dad - he has the same sense of humor and always tells the same jokes. Like father, like son!
Mary's son is following in her footsteps and studying medicine, just like she did. Like mother, like son
David is always playing practical jokes on his coworkers, just like his father used to. Like father, like son!
Mark has taken up woodworking, just like his father did when he was younger. Like father, like son
Emily is an excellent cook, just like her mother. Like mother, like daughter
3. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree
It implies that a child will often have traits and behaviors similar to their parents.
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Henry is always making terrible puns, just like his father. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree
Anne is a talented artist, just like her mother. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree
Mark has a real talent for playing music, just like his grandfather. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree
Julie is a great athlete, just like her father was when he was younger. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree
John has a passion for history, just like his mother who is a historian. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree
4. A chip off the old block
It indicates that a child has inherited certain characteristics or traits from their parent.
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Sarah is just like her mother - she's independent, strong-willed, and a real go-getter. She's definitely a chip off the old block
Max has the same work ethic as his father - he's always the first one in the office and the last one to leave. He's a real chip off the old block
Tony has a natural talent for languages, just like his grandmother. He's definitely a chip off the old block
Tina has a great sense of humor, just like her grandfather. She's a real chip off the old block
Alex is a fantastic artist, just like his father. He's definitely a chip off the old block
5. Skeleton in the closet
It describes to have a shameful secret that you don't want others to know about.
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I can't tell you about my past because I have a skeleton in the closet that I'm not proud of
After the politician's affair was exposed, it became clear that he had a skeleton in the closet that he had been hiding for years
The family tried to keep the fact that their father had a criminal record a secret, but eventually, his skeleton in the closet was revealed
Most people have something they're ashamed of, but not everyone has a skeleton in the closet as big as his
I knew he had a skeleton in the closet when he refused to talk about his time in prison
6. At each other's throats
It implies to be fighting or arguing with each other.
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The neighbors have been at each other's throats for months over a property line dispute
Whenever they get together, the siblings are always at each other's throats, arguing over even the smallest things
The two teams were at each other's throats throughout the entire game, with tempers flaring on both sides
After a heated argument, the couple was at each other's throats for days, barely speaking to each other
I hate being at work when my coworkers are at each other's throats – it creates such a tense atmosphere
7. Falling out
It refers to have a disagreement or argument that results in the end of a relationship.
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We used to be best friends, but we had a falling out over a disagreement about money
The band had a falling out after the lead singer decided to go solo and left the group
Although they were once business partners, they had a falling out over the direction of the company and went their separate ways
It's a shame that they had a falling out – they were so close before the argument
The coach and the star player had a falling out after the player refused to follow the team's rules
8. Bury the hatchet
It implies to reconcile and make peace after a disagreement or argument.
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After years of animosity, the two former friends decided to bury the hatchet and make amends
The siblings had been fighting over their inheritance for years, but they finally agreed to bury the hatchet and split the money equally
I'm tired of holding a grudge against my old boss – it's time to bury the hatchet and move on
It was a relief to finally bury the hatchet with my ex after our long and bitter breakup
The company and its former employee decided to bury the hatchet and settle the lawsuit out of court
