Welcome to our fun guide about “father” idioms! Idioms are phrases that don’t mean what the words say but have a hidden meaning. Even kids can understand them with simple explanations. Let’s explore how these phrases use the word “father” and what they really mean!
Father Idioms
Here are 20 father idioms in English.
1. Like father, like son
Meaning: Sons resemble their fathers
Example: He loves fishing just like his dad.
2. Father figure
Meaning: A role model like a father
Example: My coach is my father figure.
3. The father of
Meaning: Creator or founder of something
Example: He’s the father of modern art.
4. Father Time
Meaning: Symbolizes time and its effects
Example: Father Time waits for no one.
5. Father Christmas
Meaning: Another name for Santa Claus
Example: Father Christmas brings gifts.
6. Founding father
Meaning: Original leader in a field
Example: He’s the founding father of jazz.
7. Fatherland
Meaning: One’s native country
Example: He returned to his fatherland.
8. Padre
Meaning: Informal for father; used in military
Example: Ask Padre for some advice.
9. Old man
Meaning: Informal term for father
Example: My old man is really cool.
10. Patriarch
Meaning: The male head of a family
Example: The patriarch ruled wisely.
11. Father’s Day
Meaning: A day to honor fathers
Example: Gifts are given on Father’s Day.
12. Father knows best
Meaning: Trust the father’s judgment
Example: I’ll ask dad; father knows best.
13. Godfather
Meaning: A male godparent; influential man
Example: He is my son’s godfather.
14. Father-in-law
Meaning: Your spouse’s father
Example: My father-in-law is very supportive.
15. Father of the bride
Meaning: The bride’s father at a wedding
Example: He’s the proud father of the bride.
16. Spiritual father
Meaning: Religious mentor or leader
Example: The monk is my spiritual father.
17. Father confessor
Meaning: A priest taking confession
Example: He became my father confessor.
18. Forefather
Meaning: An ancestor
Example: Our forefathers fought for this land.
19. Father of the house
Meaning: The most senior member of a group
Example: He’s the father of the house here.
20. Fathers of Confederation
Meaning: Founders of an alliance
Example: They were the Fathers of Confederation.
