When we talk about our families, especially our parents, there are special sayings called idioms that capture some of the feelings and situations related to them. These idioms help us express ideas in a fun and creative way. Let’s explore some parent-related idioms that are easy to understand, even for kids!
Parent Idioms
Here are 20 parent idioms in English with meaning and example sentence for each.
1. Like father, like son
Meaning: Son is similar to his father.
Example: He loves fishing—like father, like son.
2. Mother hen
Meaning: Someone who cares a lot.
Example: She’s a mother hen when it comes to her kids.
3. Father figure
Meaning: A man one respects and follows.
Example: His uncle is his father figure.
4. Mom-and-pop
Meaning: Small, family-owned business.
Example: We bought it at a mom-and-pop store.
5. Daddy’s girl
Meaning: A girl who is especially close to her father.
Example: She’s a true daddy’s girl.
6. Mama’s boy
Meaning: A boy who is very close to his mother.
Example: He always confides in his mom, such a mama’s boy.
7. Old man
Meaning: A way to refer to one’s father.
Example: My old man taught me this trick.
8. Parental guidance
Meaning: Supervision by parents.
Example: This movie requires parental guidance.
9. Family ties
Meaning: The connection one has to their family.
Example: Their family ties are very strong.
10. Born with a silver spoon in one’s mouth
Meaning: Born in a rich family.
Example: He’s had everything since birth, born with a silver spoon.
11. Follow in one’s footsteps
Meaning: To do as one’s parents did.
Example: He followed in his father’s footsteps as a doctor.
12. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree
Meaning: Children are like their parents.
Example: She’s artistic like her mom—the apple doesn’t fall far.
13. Helicopter parent
Meaning: Overly involved in everything a child does.
Example: He has a helicopter parent who calls him every day.
14. Empty nest
Meaning: Parents’ home when children have moved out.
Example: They’ve got an empty nest now.
15. Parental leave
Meaning: Time off work to care for a child.
Example: She’s on parental leave for the baby.
16. Tiger mom
Meaning: Very strict and demanding mother.
Example: His grades are good because of his tiger mom.
17. Family man
Meaning: A man devoted to his family.
Example: He’s a real family man, always there for his kids.
18. Nuclear family
Meaning: Parents and children as a unit.
Example: They are a typical nuclear family.
19. Paternal instinct
Meaning: A father’s natural tendency to protect.
Example: His paternal instinct kicked in at the park.
20. Maternal instinct
Meaning: A mother’s natural tendency to protect.
Example: Her maternal instinct is always strong.
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