Idioms About Family

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👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Idioms

1. Like father, like son

Meaning: A son often behaves like his father
Example: Jack is just as stubborn as his dad—like father, like son!

2. Runs in the family

Meaning: A characteristic or skill that many people in a family have
Example: Musical talent runs in the family—both her parents are musicians.

3. Black sheep of the family

Meaning: A person who is different (often in a negative way) from other family members
Example: He’s the black sheep of the family because he never went to college like his siblings.

4. Blood is thicker than water

Meaning: Family relationships are stronger than other relationships
Example: We argue a lot, but I’ll always help my brother—blood is thicker than water.

5. Chip off the old block

Meaning: A child who looks or behaves like their parent
Example: Your daughter is a chip off the old block—she has your sense of humor!

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

Meaning: Born into a rich or privileged family
Example: She never had to work; she was born with a silver spoon in her mouth.

7. Tied to your mother’s apron strings

Meaning: Very dependent on your mother
Example: He’s 30, but still tied to his mother’s apron strings!

8. Skeleton in the closet

Meaning: A secret, often embarrassing or shameful, especially within a family
Example: Every family has a skeleton in the closet—they just don’t talk about it.

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🎯 Activity 1: Match the Idiom to Its Meaning

Match each idiom to the correct meaning. (You can write the number of the idiom with the letter of the meaning.)

Idioms:

  1. Like father, like son

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

  3. Black sheep of the family

  4. Skeleton in the closet

  5. Runs in the family

Meanings: A. A person who is different or causes embarrassment in the family
B. A hidden family secret
C. When a child behaves like a parent
D. A trait or skill that is common in the family
E. Born into a wealthy or privileged family

✏️ Activity 2: Fill in the Blank

Choose the correct idiom from the list to complete each sentence.
(Use: blood is thicker than water, chip off the old block, tied to your mother’s apron strings, runs in the family)

  1. Jane never goes anywhere without asking her mom first. She’s still ___________________________.

  2. Lucas looks and acts just like his dad. He’s a real ___________________________.

  3. All of the siblings are doctors—medicine ___________________________.

  4. We don’t always get along, but I’ll help my sister no matter what. After all, ___________________________.

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🧠 Quiz Time!

Choose the best answer for each question.

1. What does “black sheep of the family” mean?

A. Someone who is the favorite child
B. Someone who is different or causes shame in the family
C. Someone who loves animals

2. If someone was “born with a silver spoon in their mouth”, what does it mean?

A. They love eating with silverware
B. They had a very easy, rich life from birth
C. They collect spoons

3. What does “skeleton in the closet” suggest?

A. A family who loves Halloween
B. A secret or scandal in the family’s past
C. A problem with bones

4. “Chip off the old block” describes someone who…

A. Is shy and quiet
B. Is exactly like their parent
C. Works with wood

âś… Activity 1: Match the Idiom to Its Meaning

  1. Like father, like son → C

  2. Born with a silver spoon in one’s mouth → E

  3. Black sheep of the family → A

  4. Skeleton in the closet → B

  5. Runs in the family → D

âś… Activity 2: Fill in the Blank

  1. Jane never goes anywhere without asking her mom first. She’s still tied to her mother’s apron strings.

  2. Lucas looks and acts just like his dad. He’s a real chip off the old block.

  3. All of the siblings are doctors—medicine runs in the family.

  4. We don’t always get along, but I’ll help my sister no matter what. After all, blood is thicker than water.

âś… Quiz Answers

  1. B — Someone who is different or causes shame in the family

  2. B — They had a very easy, rich life from birth

  3. B — A secret or scandal in the family’s past

  4. B — Is exactly like their parent

 

🎤 Speaking Activity: Family Idioms in Conversation

🎯 Goal:

Practice using family-related idioms naturally while talking about real or imaginary family situations.

đź‘Ą Option 1: Interview a Partner

(If you’re with someone or in a class)

Take turns asking and answering these questions. Try to use at least one idiom in your answer.

  1. Do you think you’re a “chip off the old block”? Why or why not?
  2. Is there a talent or skill that “runs in your family”?
  3. Do you know someone who is the “black sheep” in their family?
  4. Do you agree with the saying “blood is thicker than water”? Why?
  5. Were you born with a silver spoon in your mouth, or did you have to work hard for everything?
  6. Do your parents or grandparents have any “skeletons in the closet”? (Make it light-hearted!)

🎙️ Option 2: Mini Story Time (Solo Practice)

(If you’re practicing alone or recording yourself)

Pick 2–3 idioms from the list and create a short story (1–2 minutes) about a fictional family. Try to include the idioms naturally.

Example Starter:

“In the Jenkins family, musical talent runs in the family. Everyone plays an instrument, except for Uncle Joe—the black sheep of the family. He always wanted to be a magician instead…”

You can record yourself and listen back, or say it aloud in front of a mirror to improve fluency and confidence.

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