Idioms for Family

Family ties often come with deep emotions, shared experiences, and unbreakable bonds. Idioms about family beautifully capture these dynamics in vivid and memorable ways. Let’s explore 20 family-related idioms, what they mean, and how they can be used in everyday conversation.

Table of Contents

1. Blood Is Thicker Than Water

Meaning: Family relationships are stronger and more enduring than other friendships or bonds.
In a Sentence: Even though they argued, Sarah helped her brother because blood is thicker than water.
Other Ways to Say: Family comes first; Kin before companions.

2. Chip Off the Old Block

Meaning: A person who closely resembles their parent in behavior or characteristics.
In a Sentence: Jake’s humor is just like his dad’s—he’s truly a chip off the old block.
Other Ways to Say: Like father, like son; Runs in the family.

3. Runs in the Family

Meaning: A trait or characteristic that is common among members of a family.
In a Sentence: Artistic talent runs in the family; her grandmother was a famous painter.
Other Ways to Say: It’s in their genes; A family hallmark.

4. Black Sheep of the Family

Meaning: A person who is considered different or an outcast within their family.
In a Sentence: Mark always felt like the black sheep of the family because he chose a different career path.
Other Ways to Say: Odd one out; Family misfit.

5. The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far from the Tree

Meaning: Children often resemble their parents in traits or behavior.
In a Sentence: Lucy is so hardworking, just like her mom—the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
Other Ways to Say: Like mother, like daughter; A chip off the old block.

6. Family Skeletons

Meaning: Secrets or scandals hidden within a family.
In a Sentence: Every family has its skeletons, but they’ve chosen to move forward.
Other Ways to Say: Hidden baggage; Closet secrets.

7. Born With a Silver Spoon in One’s Mouth

Meaning: Born into a wealthy or privileged family.
In a Sentence: He never had to work hard; he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth.
Other Ways to Say: Privileged upbringing; Fortunate start in life.

8. Kiss and Make Up

Meaning: To reconcile after a family dispute or argument.
In a Sentence: After their big fight, the sisters decided to kiss and make up.
Other Ways to Say: Mend fences; Bury the hatchet.

9. Like Two Peas in a Pod

Meaning: Two family members who are extremely similar or inseparable.
In a Sentence: The twins are like two peas in a pod—they do everything together.
Other Ways to Say: Thick as thieves; Birds of a feather.

10. Spitting Image

Meaning: A person who looks exactly like another, often a parent or family member.
In a Sentence: Maria is the spitting image of her mother; it’s uncanny!
Other Ways to Say: Mirror image; Dead ringer.

11. A House Divided Cannot Stand

Meaning: A family that is not united will face difficulties.
In a Sentence: They learned to work together because a house divided cannot stand.
Other Ways to Say: Unity is strength; Divided we fall.

12. Home Is Where the Heart Is

Meaning: Family is the place where you feel most comfortable and loved.
In a Sentence: After traveling the world, he realized that home is where the heart is.
Other Ways to Say: There’s no place like home; Home sweet home.

13. Wear the Pants in the Family

Meaning: To be the person in charge or make the decisions in a family.
In a Sentence: Everyone knows that Aunt Linda wears the pants in the family.
Other Ways to Say: Call the shots; Rule the roost.

14. Come From a Long Line of…

Meaning: To have ancestors who share a particular characteristic or profession.
In a Sentence: She comes from a long line of educators, so teaching feels natural to her.
Other Ways to Say: A family tradition; A proud lineage.

15. Put the Family First

Meaning: To prioritize family over other commitments.
In a Sentence: He turned down the promotion because he always puts the family first.
Other Ways to Say: Family above all; Blood before business.

16. No Love Lost

Meaning: A lack of affection between family members.
In a Sentence: There’s no love lost between the brothers after years of arguments.
Other Ways to Say: Strained relationship; Bad blood.

17. Tied to One’s Apron Strings

Meaning: Overly dependent on one’s family, often a parent.
In a Sentence: Even at 30, he’s still tied to his mother’s apron strings.
Other Ways to Say: Mama’s boy; Overly attached.

18. All in the Family

Meaning: Something that is shared or resolved within the family.
In a Sentence: The argument was heated, but they kept it all in the family.
Other Ways to Say: Family matters; Stay within the circle.

19. Pass the Torch

Meaning: To pass responsibilities or traditions from one family member to another.
In a Sentence: Grandpa decided it was time to pass the torch and let Dad lead the family business.
Other Ways to Say: Hand over the reins; Carry on the tradition.

20. Happy Families Are All Alike

Meaning: A harmonious family often shares common traits of love and respect.
In a Sentence: Their peaceful home reminds me that happy families are all alike.
Other Ways to Say: A picture-perfect family; One big happy family.

21. Keep It in the Family

Meaning: To ensure that secrets, traditions, or assets stay within the family.
In a Sentence: They decided to keep the business in the family and not sell it to outsiders.
Other Ways to Say: Family secrets; Within the bloodline.

22. Like Mother, Like Daughter

Meaning: A daughter often resembles her mother in appearance or behavior.
In a Sentence: Emma loves gardening, just like her mom—like mother, like daughter.
Other Ways to Say: Chip off the old block; A mirror image.

23. Born Under the Same Roof

Meaning: Sharing the same upbringing and living together as family.
In a Sentence: They may argue, but they always support each other because they were born under the same roof.
Other Ways to Say: Shared roots; Grew up together.

24. Two’s Company, Three’s a Crowd

Meaning: Family dynamics can be tricky when there’s an unwanted third party.
In a Sentence: When their cousin moved in, the siblings quickly felt that two’s company, three’s a crowd.
Other Ways to Say: Better without extras; Third wheel.

25. A Face Only a Mother Could Love

Meaning: Used humorously to describe someone not conventionally attractive, emphasizing unconditional love.
In a Sentence: Despite his scruffy appearance, his mom adores him—a face only a mother could love.
Other Ways to Say: Unconditional love; Love is blind.

26. The Family That Eats Together Stays Together

Meaning: Families that spend quality time together maintain strong bonds.
In a Sentence: They make it a point to have dinner together every night because the family that eats together stays together.
Other Ways to Say: Quality time; Bonding moments.

27. Like Father, Like Daughter

Meaning: A daughter who resembles her father in habits or traits.
In a Sentence: Mia’s love for music proves the saying, like father, like daughter.
Other Ways to Say: A chip off the old block; A reflection of her dad.

28. Bend Over Backwards for Family

Meaning: To go to great lengths to support or help family members.
In a Sentence: She bent over backward for her brother when he needed help moving.
Other Ways to Say: Go the extra mile; Move heaven and earth.

29. Family Ties That Bind

Meaning: Strong emotional connections that hold a family together.
In a Sentence: Despite living far apart, their family ties that bind remain unbreakable.
Other Ways to Say: Unshakable bonds; Family glue.

30. Cut from the Same Cloth

Meaning: Family members who share similar characteristics or personalities.
In a Sentence: You can tell they’re brothers—they’re cut from the same cloth.
Other Ways to Say: Birds of a feather; Peas in a pod.

31. Your Own Flesh and Blood

Meaning: Someone who is part of your family by birth.
In a Sentence: It’s hard to believe he would hurt his own flesh and blood.
Other Ways to Say: One’s kin; Blood relative.

32. Family Comes First

Meaning: Prioritizing family over other aspects of life.
In a Sentence: No matter what happens, she believes that family comes first.
Other Ways to Say: Blood is thicker than water; Family above all.

33. Family Feud

Meaning: A long-lasting argument or conflict between family members.
In a Sentence: The family feud over their inheritance lasted for years.
Other Ways to Say: Bad blood; A family quarrel.

34. The Breadwinner of the Family

Meaning: The person who earns the primary income to support the family.
In a Sentence: Since her father retired, Sarah became the breadwinner of the family.
Other Ways to Say: Main provider; Family supporter.

35. All in the Same Boat

Meaning: Family members sharing the same difficulties or circumstances.
In a Sentence: After the flood, the entire family was all in the same boat, rebuilding their home together.
Other Ways to Say: United in struggle; Sharing the load.

MCQs: Test Your Knowledge on Family Idioms

1. What does the idiom “Keep It in the Family” mean?

A. To ensure secrets or assets stay within the family.
B. To share secrets with friends.
C. To involve everyone in a decision.
D. To hide things from the family.

Answer: A. To ensure secrets or assets stay within the family.

2. The phrase “Like Mother, Like Daughter” refers to what?

A. A daughter rebelling against her mother.
B. A daughter resembling her mother in traits or behavior.
C. A mother learning from her daughter.
D. A disagreement between mother and daughter.

Answer: B. A daughter resembling her mother in traits or behavior.

3. Which idiom suggests families spending time together strengthens their bond?

A. The Family That Eats Together Stays Together.
B. Family Feud.
C. Born Under the Same Roof.
D. Bend Over Backwards for Family.

Answer: A. The Family That Eats Together Stays Together.

4. What does “A Face Only a Mother Could Love” humorously imply?

A. A mother’s love is conditional.
B. Someone is exceptionally attractive.
C. A mother loves unconditionally despite appearances.
D. A person looks identical to their mother.

Answer: C. A mother loves unconditionally despite appearances.

5. The idiom “Cut from the Same Cloth” means:

A. Family members are different.
B. Family members share similar characteristics.
C. Family members argue often.
D. Family members support one another.

Answer: B. Family members share similar characteristics.

6. What does “Your Own Flesh and Blood” refer to?

A. A family member by birth.
B. A friend who feels like family.
C. A distant relative.
D. A mentor or guide.

Answer: A. A family member by birth.

7. Which idiom emphasizes prioritizing family?

A. Family Feud.
B. Family Ties That Bind.
C. Family Comes First.
D. All in the Same Boat.

Answer: C. Family Comes First.

8. What is the meaning of “Bend Over Backwards for Family”?

A. To argue with family often.
B. To go to great lengths to help or support family.
C. To compete with family members.
D. To prioritize work over family.

Answer: B. To go to great lengths to help or support family.

9. The idiom “Two’s Company, Three’s a Crowd” suggests:

A. Large families are more fun.
B. A third person can make a situation uncomfortable.
C. Family members enjoy parties with three or more people.
D. Adding more people strengthens bonds.

Answer: B. A third person can make a situation uncomfortable.

10. “Family Feud” refers to:

A. A happy family gathering.
B. A conflict or argument within the family.
C. A shared family vacation.
D. A competitive family game.

Answer: B. A conflict or argument within the family.

11. What does “Born Under the Same Roof” imply?

A. Growing up with shared family experiences.
B. Living apart from family members.
C. Sharing a workplace with family.
D. Being raised by neighbors.

Answer: A. Growing up with shared family experiences.

12. Who is described by the idiom “The Breadwinner of the Family”?

A. The youngest family member.
B. The person earning the primary income for the family.
C. A retired family member.
D. Someone managing the household.

Answer: B. The person earning the primary income for the family.

13. “Family Ties That Bind” highlights:

A. Disagreements within the family.
B. The emotional bonds that keep families together.
C. The division of family assets.
D. A preference for independence over family.

Answer: B. The emotional bonds that keep families together.

14. Which idiom refers to sharing struggles together as a family?

A. All in the Same Boat.
B. Keep It in the Family.
C. Family Feud.
D. Like Father, Like Daughter.

Answer: A. All in the Same Boat.

15. The idiom “Like Father, Like Daughter” means:

A. A daughter resents her father’s traits.
B. A daughter shares similar habits or traits with her father.
C. A daughter competes with her father.
D. A daughter is entirely different from her father.

Answer: B. A daughter shares similar habits or traits with her father.

Final Thoughts

Family idioms beautifully capture the essence of family relationships. They reveal shared emotions, values, and universal experiences across generations. Using these expressions can deepen our connections with loved ones. They also bring vivid imagery to everyday conversations about family.

These idioms remind us of the importance of family bonds. They highlight love, support, and shared understanding within a family. Whether funny or heartfelt, idioms add richness to language. Embrace these family idioms to express your thoughts meaningfully.

James tony