Family Idioms are colorful expressions that reflect the unique dynamics, bonds, and quirks shared among relatives. These sayings add personality to conversations and offer insight into how we view and relate to our loved ones.

Whether you’re describing a close relationship or a family feud, idioms bring warmth, humor, and clarity to the discussion. Here are 25 family-themed idioms, their meanings, real-life examples, and similar expressions.

1. Blood is thicker than water

Meaning: Family relationships are stronger and more important than friendships or other relationships.
In a Sentence: Even though they argued, she chose to support her brother—after all, blood is thicker than water.
Other Ways to Say: Family comes first, Kin before kinship, Flesh and blood come first

2. Like father, like son

Meaning: A son often resembles or behaves like his father.
In a Sentence: Josh just bought a motorcycle like his dad—like father, like son!
Other Ways to Say: A chip off the old block, Runs in the family

3. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree

Meaning: Children often show traits similar to their parents.
In a Sentence: She’s just as creative as her mom—the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
Other Ways to Say: Cut from the same cloth, A chip off the old block

4. Black sheep of the family

Meaning: A family member who is considered different or a disgrace.
In a Sentence: Mark’s wild lifestyle made him the black sheep of the family.
Other Ways to Say: Outcast, Odd one out

5. Runs in the family

Meaning: A characteristic or talent that many family members share.
In a Sentence: Athletic ability clearly runs in the family—they’re all great at sports.
Other Ways to Say: Inherited trait, Passed down, Part of the family DNA

6. Born with a silver spoon in one’s mouth

Meaning: Born into a wealthy or privileged family.
In a Sentence: She never had to worry about money—she was born with a silver spoon in her mouth.
Other Ways to Say: Born into privilege, A rich upbringing

7. Flesh and blood

Meaning: A close family member or relative.
In a Sentence: He’s my flesh and blood—I can’t turn my back on him.
Other Ways to Say: My own kin, One of us

8. A face only a mother could love

Meaning: Jokingly describes someone as unattractive, but still loved by family.
In a Sentence: He was no model, but he had a face only a mother could love.
Other Ways to Say: Homely, Unique-looking

9. Like mother, like daughter

Meaning: A daughter often mirrors her mother’s behavior or traits.
In a Sentence: Emma’s cooking style is just like her mom’s—like mother, like daughter.
Other Ways to Say: A mirror image, A chip off the old block

10. Skeletons in the closet

Meaning: Hidden family secrets or scandals.
In a Sentence: Every family has skeletons in the closet—they just don’t talk about them.
Other Ways to Say: Hidden past, Dirty laundry

11. Mama’s boy

Meaning: A man who is very attached to or influenced by his mother.
In a Sentence: He’s such a mama’s boy—he still calls her for advice every day.
Other Ways to Say: Mother’s darling, Attached son

12. Daddy’s girl

Meaning: A girl who is very close to or spoiled by her father.
In a Sentence: She’s always been a daddy’s girl—he never says no to her.
Other Ways to Say: Father’s favorite, Papa’s princess

13. Two peas in a pod

Meaning: Two people, often siblings, who are very alike.
In a Sentence: The twins are two peas in a pod—they do everything together.
Other Ways to Say: Like twins, Mirror images

14. Chip off the old block

Meaning: A child who resembles a parent in appearance or behavior.
In a Sentence: He’s just like his dad—a real chip off the old block.
Other Ways to Say: Like father, like son; Runs in the family

15. Family ties

Meaning: The emotional bonds and connections between family members.
In a Sentence: Despite the distance, their family ties remained strong.
Other Ways to Say: Blood bonds, Kinship

16. Break the family mold

Meaning: Someone who differs greatly from the rest of the family.
In a Sentence: She became a rock star while everyone else became doctors—she really broke the family mold.
Other Ways to Say: The exception, A unique branch

17. Like cat and dog

Meaning: Family members (often siblings) who constantly argue.
In a Sentence: Those two fight like cat and dog—but they still love each other.
Other Ways to Say: At each other’s throats, Constantly bickering

18. Family feud

Meaning: A prolonged quarrel between relatives.
In a Sentence: That land dispute turned into a full-blown family feud.
Other Ways to Say: Bitter dispute, Blood battle

19. Home is where the heart is

Meaning: True comfort and belonging are found with family, not a place.
In a Sentence: No matter where I travel, home is where the heart is.
Other Ways to Say: Home is where your people are, Love makes a home

20. A family man

Meaning: A man devoted to his family.
In a Sentence: He’s a family man—always puts his wife and kids first.
Other Ways to Say: Devoted dad, Committed husband

21. Wear the pants in the family

Meaning: The person who holds authority or makes decisions in a household.
In a Sentence: Everyone knows she wears the pants in the family.
Other Ways to Say: The boss at home, Head of the house

22. Spitting image

Meaning: Someone who looks exactly like another family member.
In a Sentence: He’s the spitting image of his grandfather.
Other Ways to Say: Looks just like, Mirror reflection

23. Close-knit family

Meaning: A family with strong emotional ties and unity.
In a Sentence: They’re a close-knit family they support each other through everything.
Other Ways to Say: Tight family, Strong bond

24. It takes a village

Meaning: Raising a child involves help from a community or extended family.
In a Sentence: With four grandparents nearby, raising our kids really takes a village.
Other Ways to Say: Shared parenting, Communal effort

25. Born into it

Meaning: Having a role, tradition, or lifestyle due to one’s family.
In a Sentence: He didn’t choose farming he was born into it.
Other Ways to Say: In the blood, Family legacy

Family Idioms MCQs Quiz

1. What does the idiom “Blood is thicker than water” mean?
A. Water is not important
B. Family relationships are more important than others
C. Blood relatives argue more
D. Friends are more reliable than family
Answer: B. Family relationships are more important than others

2. If someone is the “black sheep of the family,” what does it suggest?
A. They are the oldest child
B. They are well-liked
C. They are different or disgraceful
D. They have a dark sense of humor
Answer: C. They are different or disgraceful

3. “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” refers to:
A. A fruit market
B. A child’s similarity to a parent
C. Someone who lives far from home
D. Disagreements in families
Answer: B. A child’s similarity to a parent

4. What does “Born with a silver spoon in one’s mouth” mean?
A. Someone likes silverware
B. Someone is poor
C. Born into a rich or privileged family
D. Loves eating fancy food
Answer: C. Born into a rich or privileged family

5. “Two peas in a pod” describes:
A. People who look different
B. Siblings who constantly fight
C. Very similar people
D. A gardening technique
Answer: C. Very similar people

6. If someone “wears the pants in the family,” they are:
A. The youngest member
B. The most fashionable
C. The decision-maker
D. The quiet one
Answer: C. The decision-maker

7. “Skeletons in the closet” means:
A. Hidden family secrets
B. Halloween decorations
C. A medical condition
D. A family album
Answer: A. Hidden family secrets

8. What does “Home is where the heart is” express?
A. People should never leave home
B. True comfort comes from family
C. Your heart controls your location
D. A house is the most important thing
Answer: B. True comfort comes from family

9. A “chip off the old block” refers to someone who:
A. Loves woodwork
B. Is a carpenter
C. Is just like a parent
D. Hates authority
Answer: C. Is just like a parent

10. What does “It takes a village” mean?
A. Villages are noisy
B. Communities are small
C. Raising children is a shared effort
D. People gossip a lot in villages
Answer: C. Raising children is a shared effort

Conclusion

Family idioms add rich imagery and emotion to everyday language. They help express the deep bonds, traditions, and sometimes the conflicts that exist within families. Whether highlighting similarities, secrets, or strength, these phrases bring color to our conversations.

Understanding them enhances both our vocabulary and our cultural insight. Keep practicing these expressions to make your English sound more natural and heartfelt.

25 Idioms for Family