B2 Family Idioms

Front

Blood is thicker than water

Back

Meaning: Family relationships are stronger and more important than other relationships, like friendships.

Example: Even though we’ve had arguments, I’ll always support my brother because blood is thicker than water.

Front

A close-knit family

Back

Meaning: A family that has strong bonds, where members are always there for one another.

Example: I come from a close-knit family, and we talk to each other almost every day.

Front

Cut from the same cloth

Back

Meaning: Two or more people who have very similar personalities or traits.

Example: My cousin and I are cut from the same cloth; we both love sports and adventure.

Front

Like father, like son / Like mother, like daughter

Back

Meaning: A child behaves in a way that is very similar to one of their parents.

Example: Just like his dad, Jack has a love for cars. Like father, like son!

Front

A chip off the old block

Back

Meaning: A child who is very similar to their parent in character or habits.

Example: Emma is a chip off the old block—she’s just as determined and hardworking as her mother.

Front

Spitting image

Back

Meaning: Someone who looks exactly like another person, usually a family member.

Example: Tom is the spitting image of his grandfather; they could be twins from different generations!

Front

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree

Back

Meaning: A child shares similar characteristics to their parents.

Example: Sarah is just as talented in music as her father. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

Front

To take after someone

Back

Meaning: A person who resembles a family member, either in appearance or personality.

Example: She takes after her grandmother in her passion for cooking.

Front

To run in the family

Back

Meaning: A characteristic or trait that is common among many family members.

Example: Athletic ability really runs in our family—everyone plays a sport.

Front

Sibling rivalry

Back

Meaning: Competition or jealousy between brothers and sisters.

Example: There was always some sibling rivalry between my brothers when we were younger, but now they get along well.