Home is where family is. Here are eight common English phrases about our relationships and loved ones.
Family can be complicated – or hard to describe. Use these common English expressions! Photo: ShutterstockChances are your parents, siblings and other relatives probably know you in a way that no one else does. The next time you’re bonding over a meal or looking back fondly on childhood memories, try using one of these common English expressions to describe your family and its complex dynamics.
1. Take after someone
Meaning: to resemble or be similar to a parent or ancestor in appearance or character
Example: Tom has such similar features to his mother; he really takes after her.
2. Blood is thicker than water
Meaning: familial bonds – your family relationships and loyalties – are the strongest and most important
Example: Blood is thicker than water, so do not neglect your family.
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3. Cut from the same cloth
Meaning: of the same nature; to have similar qualities to someone
Example: They both love being out in nature – they are definitely cut from the same cloth.
4. Tight-knit/close-knit
Meaning: bound together by strong relationships and common interests
Example: The Chans are a tight-knit family where everyone supports one another under any circumstances.
5. Follow in someone’s footsteps
Meaning: to do something another person has done before, especially a journey or particular career
Example: My mother was a violinist, and I followed in her footsteps.
6. A chip off the old block
Meaning: someone who resembles their parents in character or appearance
Example: Jack won the tennis championship like his father did 20 years ago. He is a chip off the old block.
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7. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree
Meaning: a child usually has similar qualities to their parents
Example: Jane and her father both enjoy outdoor activities; the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
8. Run in the family
Meaning: a quality, ability or disease that many family members have
Example: We are all decent at singing; it runs in the family.
