Family Idioms: Understanding Figurative Language About Kin

Idioms are an integral part of the English language, adding color and depth to communication. When it comes to family, idioms are used extensively to describe relationships, dynamics, and shared experiences.

Understanding these idioms not only enhances comprehension but also allows for more nuanced and expressive communication. This article provides a comprehensive guide to family-related idioms, exploring their meanings, origins, and practical usage.

Whether you’re an English language learner, a teacher, or simply someone interested in expanding your linguistic repertoire, this resource will equip you with the knowledge and skills to master family idioms.

Table of Contents

• Definition of Family Idioms
• Structural Breakdown of Family Idioms
• Types and Categories of Family Idioms
• Examples of Family Idioms
  • Idioms Related to Blood Ties
  • Idioms Related to Family Dynamics
  • Idioms Related to Family Traits
  • Idioms Related to Family Support
  • Idioms Related to Problematic Family Situations
• Usage Rules for Family Idioms
• Common Mistakes with Family Idioms
• Practice Exercises
• Advanced Topics in Family Idioms
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

Definition of Family Idioms

Family idioms are figurative expressions that use family-related terms to convey meanings beyond their literal definitions. These idioms often reflect cultural values, social norms, and common experiences associated with family life.

Understanding family idioms requires recognizing that the words used do not represent their dictionary definitions, but rather a symbolic or metaphorical meaning.

Classification: Family idioms can be classified based on the specific aspect of family life they describe, such as blood relations, family dynamics, inherited traits, or the nature of family support. Each category carries distinct connotations and paints a specific picture of family relationships.

Function: The function of family idioms is to add depth and color to communication, allowing speakers to express complex emotions and ideas concisely. They also serve as a cultural shorthand, reflecting shared understandings and experiences within a community.

Contexts: Family idioms are used in a wide range of contexts, from casual conversations to formal writing. They can be found in literature, movies, news articles, and everyday speech. The appropriateness of using a particular idiom depends on the context and the audience.

Structural Breakdown of Family Idioms

The structure of family idioms varies depending on the specific expression. Some idioms are simple phrases, while others are more complex sentences.

However, all family idioms share the characteristic of using family-related terms in a non-literal way.

Common Patterns: Many family idioms follow common structural patterns, such as using comparisons (e.g., “like father, like son”) or metaphors (e.g., “the black sheep of the family”). Recognizing these patterns can help learners to understand and remember new idioms.

Grammatical Elements: Family idioms can contain various grammatical elements, including nouns (e.g., “mother hen”), verbs (e.g., “run in the family”), adjectives (e.g., “family-friendly”), and prepositions (e.g., “in the blood”). The grammatical structure of an idiom often contributes to its overall meaning and impact.

Figurative Language: At the heart of family idioms is the use of figurative language, such as metaphors, similes, and personification. These figures of speech allow speakers to convey complex ideas and emotions in a vivid and memorable way.

Types and Categories of Family Idioms

Family idioms can be categorized based on the specific aspects of family life they represent. Here are some common categories:

Idioms Related to Blood Ties

These idioms focus on the biological relationships between family members. They often describe shared traits, characteristics, or destinies.

Idioms Related to Family Dynamics

These idioms describe the interactions, relationships, and power dynamics within a family. They can refer to conflict, harmony, competition, or support.

Idioms Related to Family Traits

These idioms highlight the inherited characteristics, behaviors, or talents that run in families. They often suggest that certain traits are passed down from one generation to the next.

Idioms Related to Family Support

These idioms emphasize the emotional, financial, or practical support that family members provide to each other. They reflect the importance of family as a source of strength and resilience.

Idioms Related to Problematic Family Situations

These idioms describe difficult or dysfunctional family relationships, such as conflict, estrangement, or abuse. They often carry negative connotations and reflect the challenges that some families face.

Examples of Family Idioms

The following sections provide extensive examples of family idioms, organized by category. Each example is accompanied by a definition and an example sentence to illustrate its usage.

Idioms Related to Blood Ties

These idioms emphasize the connections and shared characteristics between family members through blood relation. The table below presents various examples, their meanings, and illustrative sentences.

Idiom	Meaning	Example Sentence
Blood is thicker than water.	Family relationships are stronger than relationships with others.	Even though they argue, blood is thicker than water, and they’ll always be there for each other.
Runs in the family.	A trait or characteristic is common among family members.	His musical talent runs in the family; his mother and grandfather were both musicians.
Like father, like son.	A son behaves similarly to his father.	He’s always tinkering with cars, just like his dad; like father, like son.
Like mother, like daughter.	A daughter behaves similarly to her mother.	She’s a natural caregiver, like mother, like daughter.
From the same stock.	From the same family or lineage.	They’re both ambitious and hardworking; they’re from the same stock.
Born with a silver spoon in one’s mouth.	Born into a wealthy family.	He doesn’t understand the value of hard work; he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth.
Apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.	A child resembles their parents in behavior or character.	She’s always getting into trouble, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
In one’s blood.	An inherent part of one’s nature or heritage.	Adventure is in his blood; he’s always traveling to new places.
Part and parcel.	An essential or integral part of something.	Family arguments are part and parcel of growing up.
Cut from the same cloth.	Very similar in character or behavior.	They’re both stubborn and opinionated; they’re cut from the same cloth.
Kin and kith.	Family and friends.	We’re inviting all our kin and kith to the wedding celebration.
A chip off the old block.	Someone who is very similar to their parent.	He’s a chip off the old block, always cracking jokes like his father.
The spitting image of.	Looking exactly like someone else, usually a relative.	She’s the spitting image of her grandmother when she was young.
Through thick and thin.	Through good times and bad times.	We’ve been through thick and thin together as a family.
Tie the knot.	To get married.	They’re finally going to tie the knot after dating for ten years.
Wear the trousers (UK) / Wear the pants (US).	To be the dominant person in a relationship.	Everyone knows she wears the trousers in that relationship.
Birds of a feather flock together.	People who are similar tend to associate with each other.	The siblings are all artists; birds of a feather flock together.
Take after someone.	To resemble someone in appearance or character.	She takes after her mother in her love for gardening.
Like two peas in a pod.	Very similar or close to each other.	The twins are like two peas in a pod, always together.
Carry the torch.	To continue a tradition or legacy.	He’s carrying the torch for the family business.
From the cradle to the grave.	From birth to death.	They’ve been friends from the cradle to the grave.
Rooted in.	Established or originating from something.	Their traditions are deeply rooted in their family history.
Be the apple of someone’s eye.	To be cherished or adored by someone.	She’s the apple of her grandfather’s eye.
Keep it in the family.	To keep something private within the family.	Let’s keep this problem in the family and not tell anyone else.

Idioms Related to Family Dynamics

These idioms capture the complex interactions, relationships, and power struggles within a family unit. The table below provides examples of such idioms.

Idiom	Meaning	Example Sentence
Run the roost.	To be in charge or control.	Grandma runs the roost in that family; everyone listens to her.
Wear the pants in the family.	To be the dominant person in the family.	She wears the pants in the family; she makes all the important decisions.
Keep up with the Joneses.	To try to match the lifestyle of one’s neighbors.	They’re always buying new things to keep up with the Joneses.
Rock the boat.	To disrupt a stable situation.	He doesn’t want to rock the boat by questioning the family’s traditions.
Air dirty laundry in public.	To reveal private or embarrassing information about one’s family.	They should avoid airing their dirty laundry in public.
A family affair.	An event or situation involving only family members.	The wedding was a small family affair.
Like a house on fire.	To get along very well.	They got along like a house on fire from the moment they met.
Birds of a feather.	People who are similar.	The siblings are all artists; they’re birds of a feather.
At each other’s throats.	In constant conflict or argument.	The brothers are always at each other’s throats.
A shoulder to cry on.	Someone who offers comfort and support.	She’s always been a shoulder to cry on for her friends and family.
The black sheep of the family.	A family member who is different or considered a disgrace.	He’s always been the black sheep of the family, going against their expectations.
Feather one’s nest.	To enrich oneself, often at the expense of others.	He’s been feathering his nest with company funds.
Keep someone in line.	To control someone’s behavior.	The parents try to keep their children in line.
Spoil someone rotten.	To pamper someone excessively.	The grandparents spoil their grandchildren rotten.
Wear the same face.	To look alike.	The twins wear the same face; it’s hard to tell them apart.
A tight-knit family.	A family with very close relationships.	They are a tight-knit family who spend a lot of time together.
Walk all over someone.	To treat someone badly or disrespectfully.	He lets his siblings walk all over him.
Clear the air.	To resolve a conflict or misunderstanding.	They need to clear the air after their argument.
Sweep something under the rug.	To hide or ignore a problem.	They tried to sweep the scandal under the rug.
Turn a blind eye.	To ignore something that one knows is wrong.	The parents turned a blind eye to their child’s misbehavior.
Call the shots.	To make the decisions.	She calls the shots in the family business.
Sing from the same hymn sheet.	To agree on something.	The siblings need to sing from the same hymn sheet when dealing with their parents.
Keep the peace.	To maintain harmony and avoid conflict.	She always tries to keep the peace during family gatherings.
On the same wavelength.	To understand each other well.	The siblings are on the same wavelength.

Idioms Related to Family Traits

These idioms describe how certain characteristics, behaviors, or talents are inherited or passed down through generations within a family. The table below presents some of these idioms, their meanings, and usage examples.

Idiom	Meaning	Example Sentence
A born leader.	Someone with natural leadership abilities.	He’s a born leader, just like his father.
A natural talent.	Someone with innate skill or ability.	She’s a natural talent when it comes to music.
In the blood.	An inherent part of one’s nature or heritage.	Adventure is in his blood; he’s always traveling.
Hardwired.	An innate or instinctive behavior.	Her kindness is hardwired; she’s always helping others.
Second nature.	Something that comes easily and naturally.	Speaking French is second nature to her; she grew up bilingual.
Run in the family.	A trait or characteristic that is common among family members.	His musical talent runs in the family; his mother and grandfather were both musicians.
Cut from the same cloth.	Very similar in character or behavior.	They’re both stubborn and opinionated; they’re cut from the same cloth.
Apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.	A child resembles their parents in behavior or character.	She’s always getting into trouble, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
A chip off the old block.	Someone who is very similar to their parent.	He’s a chip off the old block, always cracking jokes like his father.
Take after someone.	To resemble someone in appearance or character.	She takes after her mother in her love for gardening.
From the same mold.	Very similar in character or behavior.	They’re both ambitious and driven; they’re from the same mold.
In one’s genes.	Inherited or passed down genetically.	His athletic ability is in his genes.
Carried down through generations.	Passed on from one generation to the next.	Their family traditions have been carried down through generations.
Part of one’s DNA.	An essential or inherent part of one’s nature.	Her creativity is part of her DNA.
Bred in the bone.	Deeply ingrained or inherent.	His honesty is bred in the bone; he would never lie.
A family tradition.	A custom or practice that is passed down through generations.	Having a big Christmas dinner is a family tradition.
An old family recipe.	A recipe that has been passed down through generations.	She used an old family recipe to bake the cake.
A family heirloom.	A valuable object that has been passed down through generations.	The necklace is a family heirloom.
A family legacy.	Something significant that is passed down through generations.	His dedication to public service is a family legacy.
A family name.	The reputation or honor associated with a family.	He’s determined to uphold the family name.
Made of the same stuff.	Having the same qualities or characteristics.	They’re both made of the same stuff; they’re both resilient and determined.
Woven into the fabric.	An essential or integral part of something.	Their values are woven into the fabric of their family life.
Running through their veins.	An inherent part of one’s nature.	His passion for art is running through his veins.

Idioms Related to Family Support

These idioms emphasize the emotional, financial, or practical support that family members provide to each other, highlighting the importance of family as a source of strength and resilience. The table below provides examples of idioms related to family support.

Idiom	Meaning	Example Sentence
A shoulder to cry on.	Someone who offers comfort and support.	She’s always been a shoulder to cry on for her friends and family.
Lean on someone.	To rely on someone for support.	You can always lean on your family during difficult times.
A helping hand.	Assistance or support.	Her family gave her a helping hand when she started her business.
In someone’s corner.	Supporting or defending someone.	Her family is always in her corner, no matter what.
Back someone up.	To support or defend someone.	Her siblings always back her up in arguments with their parents.
Rally around.	To come together to support someone.	The community rallied around the family after the fire.
A safety net.	A source of security or support in times of need.	Her family provides a safety net for her.
Stand by someone.	To support someone during a difficult time.	Her family stood by her when she lost her job.
Be there for someone.	To be available to support someone.	Her family will always be there for her.
A strong support system.	A network of people who provide support.	She has a strong support system in her family.
A pillar of strength.	Someone who provides unwavering support.	Her mother is a pillar of strength for the family.
Hold someone up.	To support someone emotionally or physically.	Her family held her up during her illness.
Lift someone up.	To encourage or support someone.	Her family always lifts her up when she’s feeling down.
Give someone a boost.	To help someone improve or succeed.	Her family gave her a boost by investing in her business.
Have someone’s back.	To support and protect someone.	Her family always has her back.
To have someone to fall back on.	To have someone to rely on in times of need.	She’s lucky to have a family to fall back on.
Be someone’s rock.	To be a source of stability and support.	Her husband is her rock.
Weather the storm together.	To endure a difficult situation as a family.	They weathered the storm together as a family.
Circle the wagons.	To come together to defend or support each other.	The family circled the wagons when faced with criticism.

Idioms Related to Problematic Family Situations

These idioms describe difficult or dysfunctional family relationships, such as conflict, estrangement, or abuse. They often carry negative connotations and reflect the challenges that some families face.

The table below presents some of these idioms, their meanings and usage examples.

Idiom	Meaning	Example Sentence
Air dirty laundry in public.	To reveal private or embarrassing information about one’s family.	They should avoid airing their dirty laundry in public.
At each other’s throats.	In constant conflict or argument.	The brothers are always at each other’s throats.
The black sheep of the family.	A family member who is different or considered a disgrace.	He’s always been the black sheep of the family, going against their expectations.
Skeleton in the closet.	A shameful secret about a family’s past.	Every family has a skeleton in the closet.
Sweep something under the rug.	To hide or ignore a problem.	They tried to sweep the scandal under the rug.
Turn a blind eye.	To ignore something that one knows is wrong.	The parents turned a blind eye to their child’s misbehavior.
Bury the hatchet.	To make peace after a conflict.	It’s time for them to bury the hatchet and reconcile.
A broken home.	A family that has been disrupted by divorce or separation.	He grew up in a broken home.
Estranged from.	No longer having a close relationship with someone.	She’s been estranged from her family for years.
A dysfunctional family.	A family with unhealthy relationships and communication patterns.	They come from a dysfunctional family.
Wear the mask.	To hide one’s true feelings or intentions.	He wears the mask of happiness, but inside he’s hurting.
Behind closed doors.	In private, away from public view.	What happens behind closed doors is their business.
A dark secret.	A secret that is harmful or damaging.	The family has a dark secret.
A toxic relationship.	A relationship that is harmful or unhealthy.	They have a toxic relationship.
Cut ties with.	To end a relationship with someone.	She decided to cut ties with her abusive family.
Wash one’s hands of.	To refuse to take responsibility for something.	He washed his hands of the situation.
A house divided.	A family or group that is in conflict.	Their family is a house divided.
On the rocks.	In danger of failing or ending.	Their marriage is on the rocks.
A troubled family.	A family experiencing difficulties.	They are a troubled family.
A powder keg.	A situation that is likely to explode into conflict.	The family gathering was a powder keg of unresolved issues.

Usage Rules for Family Idioms

Using family idioms correctly requires understanding their specific meanings and contexts. Here are some general rules to follow:

Context: Consider the context of the conversation or writing. Family idioms are often informal and may not be appropriate for formal settings.

Audience: Be mindful of your audience. Some idioms may not be familiar to all speakers of English, especially non-native speakers.

Meaning: Ensure that you understand the precise meaning of the idiom before using it. Misusing an idiom can lead to confusion or miscommunication.

Grammar: Pay attention to the grammatical structure of the idiom. Some idioms have specific grammatical requirements that must be followed.

Cultural Sensitivity: Be aware of the cultural connotations of the idiom. Some idioms may be considered offensive or inappropriate in certain cultures.

Common Mistakes with Family Idioms

Learners often make mistakes when using family idioms. Here are some common errors and how to avoid them:

Literal Interpretation: Avoid interpreting idioms literally. Remember that idioms have figurative meanings that are different from the literal meanings of the words used.

Incorrect Usage: Use idioms in the correct context. Some idioms are only appropriate in certain situations or with certain audiences.

Grammatical Errors: Pay attention to the grammatical structure of the idiom. Make sure to use the correct tense, verb form, and word order.

Overuse: Avoid overusing idioms. Using too many idioms can make your speech or writing sound unnatural or forced.

Mixing Idioms: Do not mix idioms together. This can create nonsensical or confusing expressions.

Example of Correct vs. Incorrect Usage:

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
“He is the black sheep of the flock.”	“He is the black sheep of the family.”	The idiom is “black sheep of the family,” not “flock.”
“Blood is more thick than water.”	“Blood is thicker than water.”	The correct wording of the idiom is “thicker than water.”
“She takes after her mother’s look.”	“She takes after her mother.”	“Take after” already implies resembling in appearance or character.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of family idioms with these practice exercises.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks with the appropriate family idiom from the list below.

List of idioms: blood is thicker than water, runs in the family, like father like son, air dirty laundry, black sheep

Question	Answer
1. Even though they argue, __________, and they’ll always be there for each other.	blood is thicker than water
2. His musical talent ___________; his mother and grandfather were both musicians.	runs in the family
3. He’s always tinkering with cars, just like his dad; __________.	like father like son
4. They should avoid __________ in public.	air dirty laundry
5. He’s always been the ___________ of the family, going against their expectations.	black sheep
6. It seems that being stubborn ___________. Everyone in their family is known for it.	runs in the family
7. Despite their disagreements, they always support each other because ____________.	blood is thicker than water
8. The company’s financial scandals were a case of them __________.	airing dirty laundry
9. He followed in his father’s footsteps in his career, proving that __________.	like father like son
10. She was viewed as the ___________ because she chose a different path from her siblings.	black sheep

Exercise 2: Matching

Match the family idiom with its meaning.

Idiom	Meaning
1. Run the roost	a. To be in charge or control
2. Keep up with the Joneses	b. To try to match the lifestyle of one’s neighbors
3. Rock the boat	c. To disrupt a stable situation
4. A family affair	d. An event or situation involving only family members
5. Like a house on fire	e. To get along very well

Answers:

Question	Answer
1	a
2	b
3	c
4	d
5	e

Exercise 3: Multiple Choice

Choose the best meaning of the given idiom.

Question	Options	Answer
1. What does “a chip off the old block” mean?	a. Someone who is weak. b. Someone who is very similar to their parent. c. Someone who is very different from their parent.	b
2. What does “take after someone” mean?	a. To dislike someone. b. To ignore someone. c. To resemble someone in appearance or character.	c
3. What does “in one’s blood” mean?	a. An illness. b. An inherent part of one’s nature or heritage. c. An external influence.	b
4. What does “keep something in the family” mean?	a. To share everything with family. b. To keep something private within the family. c. To exclude family from a secret.	b
5. What does “blood is thicker than water” mean?	a. Family relationships are weaker than other relationships. b. Family relationships are stronger than relationships with others. c	b

Advanced Topics in Family Idioms

For advanced learners, exploring the nuances and origins of family idioms can provide deeper insights into language and culture.

Etymology: Research the origins of specific family idioms. Understanding the historical context can shed light on their meanings and usage.

Cultural Variations: Investigate how family idioms vary across different cultures and languages. This can reveal interesting differences in cultural values and perspectives.

Literary Analysis: Analyze how family idioms are used in literature to convey themes, develop characters, and create atmosphere.

Sociolinguistics: Explore how the use of family idioms reflects social class, gender, and other social factors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Family idioms are a rich and colorful part of the English language. By understanding their meanings, origins, and usage rules, learners can enhance their communication skills and gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural values and experiences associated with family life.

Whether you’re a student, a teacher, or simply someone interested in expanding your linguistic knowledge, mastering family idioms is a valuable and rewarding endeavor.