20 Idioms and Expressions about Laughter

1. a barrel/bundle of laughs - something that's fun or amusing

2. a laugh a minute - very funny
3. are you having a laugh? - are you joking?
4. belly laugh - a loud, deep, uninhibited laugh
5. for a laugh - for fun, for a joke
6. good for a laugh - fun to be around
7. laughing stock - someone who is mocked/ridiculed
8. no laughing matter - something very serious, something that shouldn't be joked about
9. to burst out laughing - to laugh suddenly
10. to fall about (laughing) - to laugh uncontrollably
11. to have the last laugh - to finally be vindicated
12. to kill yourself laughing - to be overcome with laughter
13. to laugh all the way to the bank - to quickly and easily make a lot of money
14. to laugh in someone's face - to laugh at/about someone in front of them to show your
distain
15. to laugh something off - to laugh when experiencing something unpleasant to make it
seem less serious
16. to laugh your head off - to laugh very hard, to laugh uncontrollably
17. to laugh yourself silly - to laugh for a long time, to laugh uncontrollably
18. to play something for laughs - to make people laugh in an inappropriate or awkward
situation
19. to raise a laugh/smile - to make someone laugh/smile
20. to split your sides - to laugh so hard your body is shaking/convulsing

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EYE Idioms: 25+ Useful Expressions & Idioms with EYES
A Sight for Sore Eyes

 Meaning: Someone that you’re pleased to see

 Example: I’m so glad to see you! You’re a sight for sore eyes.
All Eyes And Ears

 Meaning: Attentive
 Example: The team was all eyes and ears as the coach explained the challenges
ahead.
All Eyes Are On

 Meaning: Watching alertly or attentively.

 Example:  After the candidate’s strong performance in the first debate, all eyes are
on him to see if he will make a mistake this time.
An Eye for an Eye

 Meaning: Justice in which reparation or vengeance exactly matches the harm caused
to the victim
 Example: Negotiations broke down, and the war devolved into an endless eye-for-an-
eye cycle of revenge.
Catch Someone’s Eye

 Meaning: Attract someone’s attention

 Example: I was reading Internet classified ads, and an ad for an old Ford
Mustang caught my eye.
Cry Your Eyes Out

 Meaning: Cry hard for a very long time

 Example: After my boyfriend broke up with me, I cried my eyes out.
Keep an Eye On

 Meaning: To keep an eye on something or someone is to watch it periodically, to keep

it under surveillance.
 Example: I’m leaving my son with you for the day. Please keep an eye on him.
Keep an eye peeled

 Meaning: Be observant; watch out for something

 Example: If you go to the mall, keep an eye peeled for Anita-”she said she’s be there.
See Eye to Eye

 Meaning: To concur, agree

 Example: I don’t see eye to eye with Frances on the workflow, but she’s the boss.

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See Something/somebody Out of the Corner of Your Eye

 Meaning: Use peripheral vision

 Example: How did you know I was here? You didn’t even look up! — I saw you out of
the corner of my eye.
To be the apple of someone’s eye

 Meaning: To be loved and treasured by someone

 Example: You are the apple of my eye!
Turn a Blind Eye (to)

 Meaning: Choose not to notice something

 Example: My husband always supports me and is willing to turn a blind eye to my
faults.
Wandering Eye

 Meaning: A tendency to look at and desire women or men other than one’s committed
romantic partner
 Example: I know Sean has a wandering eye, but I’m sure he’s never cheated on me.
Black Eye

 Meaning: A mark of shame

 Example: By overcharging customers, you not only gave the company a black eye –
you broke the law.
Blue Eyed Boy

 Meaning: A person who is a favorite of those in authority; someone whose mistakes

are forgiven.
 Example: Steve is the supervisor’s blue-eyed boy. He doesn’t really do that much
work, but it doesn’t seem to matter.
Baby Blues

 Meaning: Blue eyes.
 Example: I know Jason is bad for me, but when I get a look at his baby blues I can’t
resist him.

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English Idioms relating to ARGUMENTS – CONFLICTS – DISAGREEMENTS
– DISCONTENTMENT

Much ado about nothing. – If people make much ado about nothing, they make a lot of fuss
about something which is not important.

Argue the toss – If you argue the toss, you dispute a decision or choice which has already
been made.

“The final choice was made yesterday, so don’t argue the toss now! “

All hell broke loose – To say that all hell broke loose means that there was a sudden angry,
noisy reaction to something.

” All hell broke loose when it was announced that the plant was going to close down.”

Get off my back! – If you tell somebody to get off your back, you ask them to stop finding
faults or criticizing you.

The battle lines are drawn – This expression is used to say that opposing groups are ready to
defend the reason behind the conflict.

“The battle lines have been drawn between those who accept the changes and those who are
against the proposed reforms.”

Battle of wills – A conflict, argument or struggle where both sides are determined to win is
described as a battle of wills.

“When they separated, neither party would make concessions – it was a battle of wills.”

Blamestorming – A discussion among a group of people, who try to determine who or what
is to blame for a particular mistake, failure or wrongdoing, is called ‘blamestorming’.

“A blamestorming session took place following the unfavorable reviews in the press.”

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Bone of contention – A bone of contention is a matter or subject about which there is a lot of
disagreement.

“The salaries have been agreed on, but opening on Sundays remains a bone of contention.”

Have a bone to pick with someone – To say that you have a bone to pick with somebody
means that you are annoyed with them and want to talk to them about it.

In somebody’s good/bad books – If you are in somebody’s good or bad books, you have
their approval or disapproval.

“I’m in my wife’s bad books at the moment because I forgot our wedding anniversary!”

Bury the hatchet – The expression ” bury the hatchet” is used when people who have had a
disagreement decide to forget their quarrel and become friends again.

“I don’t get on well with my mother-in-law, but to keep my wife happy, I decided to bury the
hatchet.”

Call someone’s bluff – If you call someone’s bluff, you challenge them to do what they
threaten to do (while believing that they will not dare to do it).

“After the neighbor’s threats to demolish the fence, when Jack decided to call his bluff, there
were no more complaints.”

Cat-and-dog life – This term refers to a life in which partners are constantly or frequently
quarrelling.

“They lead a cat-and-dog life. I don’t know why they stay together.”

Clear the air – If you decide to clear the air, you try to remove the causes of fear, worry or
suspicion by talking about them openly.

“The atmosphere had become so unpleasant that he decided it was time to clear the air.”

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Dead set against something – If you are dead set against something, you are strongly
opposed to it.

“My father wanted a dog, but my mother was dead set against the idea.”

Devil’s advocate – During a discussion or debate, if you play devil’s advocate, you pretend to
be against an idea or plan in order to determine the validity of the arguments in favor of it.

“She decided to play devil’s advocate just to see how strongly people felt about the project.”

Hammer and tongs – If people are going at it hammer and tongs, they are arguing fiercely,
with a lot of energy and noise.

“Our neighbors are going at it hammer and tongs again. They’re constantly arguing!”

Let bygones be bygones – If you let bygones be bygones, you decide to forget about past
disagreements.

“When Charlie’s son was born, he decided to let bygones be bygones and contacted his
parents.”

At loggerheads – If you are at loggerheads with a person or organization, you disagree very
strongly with them.

“Management and trade unions are at loggerheads over the decision to close down the plant.”

Lock horns – If you lock horns with somebody, you argue or fight with them about
something.

“If there is another incident like that in the building, the occupants will be locking horns!”

No love lost – To say that there is no love lost between two people means that they do not like
each other at all.

“There is no love lost between Amanda and Sarah. They’re always quarrelling.”

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Make a mountain out of a molehill – If someone makes a mountain out of a molehill, they
make a small, unimportant problem seem much more serious than it is.

“Stop making mountains out of molehills! It’s not a major problem.”

A moot point – A subject which gives rise to argument or debate is called a moot point.

“Whether Bach composed it himself or not is a moot point among musicians.”

Nothing doing! – This expression is used to say that there is no way you would accept to do
what is proposed. .

“Work on Sunday? Nothing doing!”

At odds – If one person is at odds with another, they disagree with each other.

Olive branch – If a person or organization holds out an olive branch to another, they show
that they want to end a disagreement and make peace.

“The protesters finally accepted the olive branch extended to them.”

Out of the question – Something which is out of the question is impossible and is therefore
not worth discussing.

“Buying a new car is out of the question – we can’t afford it.”

Over my dead body – This expression is used when you absolutely refuse to allow someone
to do something.

“Mum, can I get my nose pierced?” “Over my dead body!”

Pick holes – If someone picks holes in something such as a plan, an idea or an argument, they
criticize it or try to find fault with it.

“Why don’t you make a suggestion instead of picking holes in all my ideas!”

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Press (something) home – If you press something home, you insist on a point in a discussion
or argument.

“Her lawyer kept pressing home the fact that she was a single mother.”

A running battle – If two people or groups have a running battle with each other, they argue
or disagree about something over a long period of time.

“There’s been a running battle between the local authorities and the population over the
school bus route.”

Send someone packing – If you send someone packing, you tell them to leave, in a very
forceful and unfriendly way.

“When Amanda discovered that Jack had been unfaithful, she sent him packing.”

Settle a score – To settle a score means to retaliate against someone or take revenge for a past
wrong.

“Jack has made an appointment with his lawyer – he has a score to settle with someone.”

Keep your shirt on! – If you tell somebody to keep their shirt on, you are asking them to
calm down.

“Keep your shirt on Bob. Just give your version of the story!”

Sink their differences – If people or organizations sink their differences, they decide to
forget their disagreements.

“We must sink our differences and build a peaceful community.”

Sit on the fence – If you sit on the fence, you avoid taking sides in a discussion or argument.

“It’s an important issue. You can’t continue to sit on the fence!”

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Skating on thin ice – If you are skating on thin ice, you are doing or saying something that
could cause disagreement or trouble.

“Don’t mention that subject during the negotiations or you could be skating on thin ice.”

Split hairs – If you split hairs, you pay too much attention to differences that are very small
or not important.

“If we start splitting hairs, we’ll never reach an agreement!”

Water under the bridge – If something difficult or unpleasant took place in the past but is no
longer important; it is referred to as water under the bridge.

“They had a serious disagreement in the past but that’s water under the bridge.”

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IDIOMS ABOUT WEATHER

The English language has a large vocabulary for talking about the weather and a wide range
of idioms. Discover how you can use speak about the weather in everyday conversation using
the fun list of idioms below. Remember - if you’re ever planning a trip to the UK, it’s best
you learn all the rain ones first! Save the sun idioms for a trip to Australia or California.

1. IT'S RAINING CATS AND DOGS

Typically used when it is raining heavily outside, during a heavy period of rainfall or during a
storm.

Example: “Do not forget your umbrella before you go outside. It is raining cats and dogs!”

2. EVERY CLOUD HAS A SILVER LINING

To be optimistic and hope that something good can come out of a bad situation.

Example: "I'm not going on holiday this year, but every cloud has a silver lining, as I'm able
to spend more time with my family at home."

Test out these fun idioms with your friends or even strangers when traveling!

3. HEAD IN THE CLOUDS

Used to describe someone being overly-optimistic about a situation or to have unrealistic

ideas about something.

Example: “Mike thinks he is going to pass his exams without studying. He has his head in
the clouds!”
 

4. SNOWED UNDER

When you have too much work to do or to have a lot of things to deal with at once. 

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Example: “Mike is snowed under with work. He cannot come and watch the game with us
tonight.”
 

5. UNDER THE WEATHER

To describe feeling unwell or minor illnesses that are not life threatening. It can sometimes be
used when you feel overly-exhausted after a long day or night.

Example: “Hazel did not come into work today. She was feeling under the weather.”

6. CLOUD NINE

If you are on cloud nine, you are extremely happy.

Example: "She has been on cloud nine since getting married."

7. TO BE A BREEZE

To be easy or requiring little effort.

Example: "This exam is going to be a breeze."

8. COME RAIN OR SHINE

To say that something will be done regardless of whatever happens.

Example: "I will play football tonight come rain or shine."

9. THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM

A brief moment of peace or quiet before a busy or difficult period arrives.

Example: "It's going to get very busy tomorrow. Today is the calm before the storm."

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"He's been on cloud nine since passing his exam."

10. FACE LIKE THUNDER

When someone is visibly angry or upset and you can notice the emotion on the person's face.

Example: “You could tell Maria was angry. She had a face like thunder!”

11. STORM IN A TEACUP

Exaggerate a problem.

Example: "I don't think this flu scare is serious. It is a storm in a teacup."

12. LIGHTNING FAST

Being very fast. 

Example: "Wow, did you see that man win the race? He was lightning fast!"

13. CHASE RAINBOWS

Try to achieve the impossible. 

Example: "I know you want to become a famous footballer but don't chase rainbows! It is
very hard and you are just not good enough."

14. TO TAKE A RAIN CHECK

To postpone something. 

Example: "Can we take a rain check on our cinema date? I have too much homework."

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 15. TO STEAL SOMEONE'S THUNDER

To do what someone else was going to do and receive all the praise; or take the attention
away from someone else.

Example: "My classmate stole my thunder when he told the teacher that he did all the work
on the presentation." 

All of these idioms can be used in conversation and are a great way to memorize vocabulary
relating to the weather and seasons. Test them out for yourself with your kids, friends or
family. 

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30 Idioms about Books and Reading

1. a closed book – a topic or person about which/whom very little is known

2. an open book – a topic or person that/who is easy to understand or about
which/whom a lot is known
3. book smart – possessing knowledge acquired from reading or study but lacking
common sense
4. bookworm – a keen reader
5. by the book – in accordance with the rules
6. ‘You can’t judge a book by its cover!’ – the outward appearance of something or
someone is not a reliable indication of its/their true nature
7. every trick in the book – all available methods of achieving what’s desired
8. in my book – in my opinion
9. in someone’s good/bad books – in favour/disfavour with someone
10. on/off the books – officially on record/ unofficially and usually in secret
11. one for the (record) books – an extraordinary event that will be remembered
12. ‘Read my lips!’ – listen carefully
13. the oldest trick in the book – a trick so unimaginative and commonplace that it
shouldn’t deceive anyone
14. to balance the books – to add up all debits and credits
15. to blot your copybook – to tarnish your reputation
16. to bring someone to book – to punish someone or draw attention to their bad
behaviour
17. to close the books – to put something aside and stop spending time and effort on it
18. to cook the books – to falsify facts or figures
19. to have your nose in a book – to be reading intensely
20. to hit the books – to study
21. to make/open book – to take bets on something
22. to read between the lines – to search for an implied meaning
23. to read someone like a book – to easily understand someone’s thoughts/motives
without being told them
24. to read someone the Riot Act – to strongly warn someone to improve their behaviour
25. to read someone’s mind – to discern someone’s thoughts
26. to read something into – to give something meaning or significance that may not be
there
27. to read the fine/small print – to make sure you are aware of the conditions of an
agreement
28. to take a leaf out of someone’s book – to imitate a particular (usually admirable)
quality that someone else possesses
29. to take something as read – to assume something as true without further discussing it
30. to throw a book at – to punish severely

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20 ANIMAL IDIOMS

 Rebecca Holderness
 28 October, 2020
English speakers use idioms to make the language more colorful, and these animal idioms are
no exception! They will not only test your English skills, but these fun idioms are great for
kids to learn and develop their vocabulary too! Have a look at our list of 20 Animal Idioms
and discover how to go wild with your English learning: with everything from dog idioms, cat
idioms, to elephant idioms!  
 

1. BLACK SHEEP 

This term is usually used to describe an odd member of a group. It could be used to refer to a
person who is considered bad by the rest of their family. 
Example: “Steve is the black sheep of his family.” 
 

2. TO BUG SOMEONE  

To be irritating or to ask a person a series of questions. This idiom has a lot of variations, for

example: "Stop bugging me!" and "Bug off".  They also mean to irritate someone, but they are
usually associated with telling the person to go away too.  
Example: “Stop bugging me. You’re asking so many questions and it’s distracting.” 
 

3. TO HAVE BUTTERFLIES IN YOUR STOMACH  

To be very nervous or anxious about something. It’s usually used when people are doing
something for the first time or attending an important event, describing the churning sensation
of your stomach when you are nervous. 
Example: “I’m hosting the big event next week. I have butterflies in my stomach already.” 
 

4. COLD TURKEY 

Quitting something "cold turkey" means that you stop certain habits abruptly, usually without

any preparation. 

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Example: "I stopped drinking coffee cold turkey last month.” 
 

5. CASH COW 

Cash cow is used to describe something as being a dependable source of income.  

Example: “The company relied heavily on their best-selling product. It was their cash cow.” 
 

6. CAST PEARLS BEFORE SWINE 

This simply means to give a gift to someone who does not appreciate it or has no use for it.
For example, giving fancy jewelry to a homeless person who would rather have a hot meal. 
Example: “Why did you give Tom that for his birthday? You know he won’t use
it– you’re casting pearls before swine.” 
 

7. EAGER BEAVER 

When someone is enthusiastic when competing a task or goes beyond what is expected of
them, they can be referred to as a “eager beaver”.  
Example: “You’ve completed the assignment already? You’re an eager beaver!” 
 

8. ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM 

If someone mentions an “elephant in the room,” they are referring to a very obvious problem.
Everyone is aware of this problem, but no one wants to mention it because it is
uncomfortable. 
Example: “We all knew that Harry lied in front of everyone last week, it was the elephant in
the room"
 

9. FLOGGING A DEAD HORSE  

To repeatedly moan about something that cannot be changed, or to go over old arguments that
were in the past. 
Example: “Stop bringing it up. You're flogging a dead horse at this point!"

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10. HOLD YOUR HORSES 

This idiom is another common way of telling someone to wait or slow down. If a person is
jumping into something too quickly, you would use this idiom to suggest that they wait. 
Example: “Hold your horses! We haven’t won yet and you’re already celebrating”.  
 
Animal idioms are a fun way to get kids to enjoy learning English!

11. IN THE DOG HOUSE 

If someone is “in the dog house,” then they are in trouble or someone is upset with them. 
Example: “He shouldn’t have said that to her. He’ll be in the dog house now!” 
 

12. KILL TWO BIRDS WITH ONE STONE  

This means to get two tasks completed at once.  

Example: “I went grocery shopping and collected my parcel on the way home. Managed
to kill two birds with one stone.” 
 

13. LOOK WHAT THE CAT DRAGGED IN 

Something you say when somebody arrives looking dirty, disheveled or as if they have been
in a fight. It can also be used as a remark for when someone new arrives in a room or area. 
Example: “Here she is, look what the cat dragged in!” 
 

14. ONE TRICK PONY 

When someone or something only has one talent or job they can perform well. Using this

idiom is quite negative and implies that the person doesn’t really have much else to offer.  

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Example: “He’s good at scoring goals, but terrible playing anywhere else on the field. He’s
a one trick pony.” 
 

15. PLENTY OF FISH IN THE SEA 

This idiom is used in relation to failed relationships, that there are plenty of other

potential partners out there, so don't be upset about one getting away. 
Example: “Don’t worry about him. There’s plenty of fish in the sea.” 
 

16. RAT RACE 

A “rat race” is when you have an exhausting and repetitive routine. It can relate to fierce
competition for success or wealth, used primarily when referring to work situations.  
Example: “I’ve always wanted to be an accountant, but I don’t want to be part of this rat
race anymore.”
 

17. ROAD HOG 

Normally used to describe a dangerous driver or someone who takes over the road, driving
recklessly. 
Example: "Philipp is a serious road hog. He was banned from driving for six months." 
 

18. (THE) STRAW THAT BROKE THE CAMEL’S BACK 

A small issue that becomes the final cause of a system, business, or person to fail or give

up. It closely relates to the idiom “the last straw”, and are used interchangeably.   
Example: “The company wasn't doing too well anyway, but when the final sales figures come
through, that was the straw that broke the camel’s back.” 
 

19. UNTIL THE COWS COME HOME 

Used to describe that you can do something for a very long time. It can also be used when
attempting activities that seem futile or a waste of time. It is usually shortened to “til the cows
come home”. 

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Example: “She keeps mopping the floor when people keep walking through. She’ll be
cleaning it 'til the cows come home.” 
 

20. TOP DOG  

The most important person in a group or company. 

Example: “Michael was top dog when he became the captain of the football team."  
 
That's it! The top 20 Animal Idioms you should learn right now. Even if you memorize just a
few of these popular idioms, you’ll sound much more like a native speaker and can
impress people with your language skills. If you think you've understood all of these idioms,
check out our Weather Idioms blog and develop your vocabulary even more.

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IDIOMS AND PHRASAL VERBS

22 Idioms for Talking About Family

ByBradford JonesNovember 18, 2017

If you’ve studied English for a while, communicating basic information about your family is
probably easy at this point.

What might still be difficult is using idioms and natural-sounding expressions to describe
family dynamics and other more complicated family matters.

Here are 22 essential idioms for talking about family, along with some conversation questions
you can use to practice the idioms.

Also see this practice exercise, which requires you to use the idioms.

Interested in learning idioms? If so, check out the idioms and phrasal verb section of the site.

Idioms about similarities between a child and another family member

to take after someone

To take after someone means to be very similar to an older family member.

“I take after my father. We’re both architects, and we both love soccer.”

“We’re all glad that Mark took after his mother instead of his father. His father was a thief,
but his mother was a saint.”

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This girl looks like she’s going to take after her mother. (Photo by Zun Zun from Pexels)

the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree means that a child usually has similar qualities to their
parents.

“John ended up in prison just like his father. I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”

“It’s not unusual that you have the same interests as your mother. The apple doesn’t fall far
from the tree.”

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Some apples that didn’t fall very far from the tree. (Photo by Catkin from Pixabay)

a chip off the old block

If someone is a chip off the old block, it means the person is very similar (in character and
personality) to one of their parents.

“Tiffany is an accomplished pianist just like her mother. She’s a chip off the old block.”

“Sam’s a chip off the old block. He and his father are both stubborn, headstrong people.”

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If they both have similar personalities, then the daughter is a chip off the old block. (Photo
by actaylorjr from Pixabay)

to follow in someone’s footsteps

To follow in someone’s footsteps means to try to achieve the same things that someone else
(usually a family member) has already done.

“I decided to go into law instead of medicine. I thought about following in my father’s

footsteps and becoming a surgeon, but I don’t think I’d make a great doctor.”

“Michael Douglas followed in his father’s footsteps and became an actor. His father, Kirk
Douglas, was also a Hollywood actor.”

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 Photo
by bobscshwenkler from Pixabay

like father, like son

Like father, like son is an expression that means that sons tend to be similar to their fathers.
We normally use this idiom to talk about personality, interests, and character.

“Jimmy is tall just like his father, and they have the same smile. Like father, like son.”

“Both Miguel and his father spend their weekends fishing and watching sports. Like father,
like son.”

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They have all the same interests. Like father, like son. (Photo by morissettes from Pixabay)

to run in the family

If something runs in the family, it means that many members of the family have that quality,
skill, interest, problem, disease, etc.

“Heart disease runs in my family. I try to have a healthy diet and get plenty of exercise.”

“Talk to your doctor about any illnesses that run in your family.”

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 Image
from shirtgoals.com.

in one’s blood

If something is in one’s blood, it means that it is a fundamental part of who that person is and
something that is ingrained in that person’s family.

“Law is in my blood. I’m a lawyer, and so is my father, my grandfather, and two of my

aunts.”

“Music is in my blood. Almost everyone in my family can sing, compose, or play an

instrument.”

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If her family members are also musicians, then she could say that music is in her blood.
(Photo by skeeze from Pixabay)

spitting image

If someone is a spitting image of another family member, it means that those two people look
almost identical.”

“Kate’s the spitting image of her mother. They both have blue eyes and dimples.”

“My son is a spitting image of my husband.”

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This girl is the spitting image of her mother. (Photo by 1011383 from Pixabay)

Idioms about a parent’s love for a child

the apple of one’s eye

Someone’s favorite or most cherished person is the apple of their eye. We often use this idiom
to talk about a parent and their child.

“Our grandson is the apple of our eye. We absolutely adore him.”

“Sadly, Ramona doesn’t remember her father because he died when she was two. She knows
that she was the apple of his eye, though.”

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This man’s granddaughter is the apple of his eye. (Photo by ole044 from Pixabay)

pride and joy

Someone’s pride and joy is someone who makes that person extremely proud and happy. We
can also use this idiom to talk about a thing (a hobby, possession, etc.) that makes someone
proud and happy.

“Mike retired early to spend time with his kids. They’re his pride and joy.”

“Melanie’s garden is her pride and joy. Nothing makes her happier than spending her
weekends making it look beautiful.”

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A father with his pride and joy. (Photo by ddmitrova from Pixabay)

Idioms about good and bad family relationships

get along with (or get on with)

If two people get along with (or get on with) each other, it means that they like each other and
have a friendly relationship. (Get along with is American English, and get on with is  British
English.)

“I feel fortunate that I get along with my family so well.”

“If you have a large family, there will likely be some people who don’t get along with each
other.”

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These two kids look like they get along well. (Photo by Bess-Hamiti from Pixabay)

(just) one big happy family

If a group of people is (just) one big happy family, it means that a group of people (often a
family) get along and work well together. We sometimes use this idiom sarcastically.

“To outsiders, they seemed like one big happy family, but they often fought behind closed
doors.”

“Our firm has been successful because of our close-knit relationship. We’re one big happy
family.”

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If you have a great relationship with everyone at the office, you might say that you’re “just
one big happy family.” (Photo by rawpixel from Pixabay)

to have a falling out

To have a falling out with someone means to have a disagreement which ruins a relationship
with that person.

“Margaret and her sister had a falling out a few years back. They hardly even speak to each
other now.”

“There were some disagreements about my mom’s inheritance, and two of my brothers had a
falling out over it.”

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Money can cause family members to have a falling out. (Image by anaterate from Pixabay)

bad blood

Bad blood means that there is anger or hate between people people due to something that
happened in the past.

“There’s bad blood between Carlos and Alex, so let’s not invite them both to dinner.”

“Are you sure you want to invite all of your cousins to your party? Isn’t there bad blood
between two of them?”

“Bad Blood” is also a popular song by Taylor Swift which you may have heard.

Idioms about family leadership

to wear the pants

The person who wears the pants in a family is the person who hold the authority.

“My mother definitely wears the pants in the family. My dad only thinks he does.”

“My mother was very young when I was born, so it was my grandmother who wore the pants
in my house.”

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The woman wears the pants in this relationship. (Image by mskathrynne from Pixabay)

to rule the roost

The person who rules the roost is the person who is in charge.

“When we were kids, my oldest sister ruled the roost. She made all the decisions and always
told us what to do.”

“When my mom was growing up, she says my Aunt Stacey ruled the roost.”

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The oldest sibling often rules the roost and looks after the younger children. (Photo
by jty11117777 from Pixabay)

breadwinner

The breadwinner of a family is the person who financially provides for the family.

“I didn’t see my father as much as I saw my mother. He was the breadwinner of the family
and worked long hours.”

“Most families don’t have just one breadwinner. Both parents often work and provide
financially for their children.”

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The breadwinner of the family often has to work long hours. (Photo by ernestoslava from
Pixabay)

Other idioms about family

(own) flesh and blood

Someone’s (own) flesh and blood is that person’s close relative.

“How could you steal from us? You’re our own flesh and blood.”

“I would never cut my son out of my will for any reason. He’s my flesh and blood.”

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Most people would do anything for their own flesh and blood. (Photo by ThorstenF from
Pixabay)

black sheep

The black sheep of a family is someone who brings shame to their family by being different
or doing something wrong.

“Marvin is the black sheep of the family. He’s been in college for seven years and still hasn’t
graduated.”

“Kurt is the black sheep of the family. His parents wanted him to become a lawyer like his
sister, but he decided to pursue a music career instead.”

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The other sheep are really embarrassed by this guy. (Photo by pcdazero from Pixabay)

family man

A family man is a man who is devoted to his wife and children and enjoys spending time with
them.

“Carl never goes out with his coworkers after work. He’s a true family man, and always
rushes home to be with his wife and kids.”

“I won’t spend my bonus on myself. I’m a family man, so I’ll probably use the money to buy
something my wife and kids want.”

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 The dad in this picture
looks like he’s quite the family man. (Photo by tookapic from Pixabay)

blood is thicker than water

Blood is thicker than water means that relationships with family members are stronger and
more important than relationships with people outside of the family.

“Of course Karen is going to side with her sister in this argument. Blood is thicker than
water.”

“My brother and best friend are getting married on the same day. I’m going to go to my
brother’s wedding, of course. Blood is thicker than water.”

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Blood really is thicker than water. (Photo by icame from Pixabay.)

born with a silver spoon in one’s mouth

If someone was born with a silver spoon in their mouth, it means that they were born into a
wealthy and privileged family.

“I wasn’t born with a silver spoon in my mouth. I had to work two jobs to put myself through
college.”

“Most presidential candidates were born with silver spoons in their mouths. Rarely do they
come from middle class families.”

A silver spoon. (Photo by Counselling from Pixabay)

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Practice

To practice the idioms about family, answer the following questions.

Also try this practice exercise.

1. Is there a black sheep in your family. Who is it? What makes this person the black sheep?
Are any of your friends the black sheep of the family? Explain.

2. Do you agree that blood is thicker than water? Do you have any examples to support your
opinion?

3. Do you get along with your brothers and sisters? What about your parents? Have you
always gotten along, or did you used to fight when you were younger?

4. Do you think it’s common for there to be bad blood between different family members?
Why do you think this is?

5. What issues normally cause people to have a falling out?

6. In your country, is the man usually the breadwinner? Is this changing?

7. Who wears the pants in your family?

8. Are you similar to your mother or father? Do people think you’re the spitting image of
him/her? Do people think you’re a chip off the old block?

9. Do you think life is easier if you’re born with a silver spoon in your mouth?

10. What runs in your family? Explain.

11. Have you tried to accomplish the same things as your parents? Are you following in their
footsteps? Why or why not?

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