I have
seen your responses on idioms. Would you kindly give me some examples
of idioms that involve kinship terms?
Roger
Woodham replies:
The
family
it
runs in the family - an ability or talent that is passed
on through the generations your own flesh and blood - a member of your family,
do not forget it! bad blood - hostility or unfriendliness between two
families or family members blood is thicker than water - family ties are stronger
than any others, despite arguments.
He
has two daughters, both very athletic, just like their mother.
It runs in the family.
You
should take better care of your younger sister. She is your own
flesh and blood.
There
is bad blood between the two brothers. They haven't spoken
to each other in two years.
His
housekeeper had looked after him for many years but he still left
all his money to his only son. Blood is thicker than water,
you know.
Mother
mum's
the word - it's a secret, don't tell anyone mother nature - nature and its benevolence towards
human beings
Dora
doesn't know about Jim's affair with Marion, so mum's the word.
It's
a nasty sprain but leave it all to mother nature and it
will heal naturally.
Father
a
sugar daddy - a rich man who is generous to younger women
in return for sexual favours a father figure - someone that you can turn to for
advice and support
She
always liked older men with money and there's no doubt that he
was her sugar daddy.
In
his role as head of personnel, he became a father figure
for the whole company.
Sons
and daughters
a
chip off the old block - a son or daughter who is just like
their father in character, looks or temperament child's play / kids' stuff - an easy task that requires little
effort a confirmed bachelor - a man who has decided on principle
never to marry a blind date - an arranged meeting between two people of
the opposite sex who haven't met before a passing fancy - temporary liking for someone or something
He's
as stubborn as his father - a chip off the old block in
other words.
Getting
Jack to undertake this difficult assignment should be child's
play / kids' stuff. He's already very keen on the idea.
David's
a confirmed bachelor - lots of girlfriends, but nothing
serious.
They've
been married for fifteen years and, do you know, they first met
on a blind date.
I don't like my daughter's new boyfriend. I just hope he's a
passing fancy.
Husband
and wife and other relationships
my
old man / my old woman - a slightly derogatory term for husband
/ wife old wives' tales - traditional beliefs which are proved wrong
by science a bit on the side - a sexual relationship outside marriage an old flame - someone of the opposite sex you were strongly
attracted to in the past
My
old man spends most afternoons at the bookmakers.
If
you think this blend of herbs can cure you of this, well, that's
an old wives' tale, I'm afraid.
They
have an open marriage, but I don't believe in that. I don't think
you should have a bit on the side.
Did
you see how his eyes lit up when Claire entered the room. Claire's
an old flame of his.
House
and home
on
the house - provided free to the customer by the hotel,
bar or organisation a home from home - place where one feels very welcome home truths - honest criticism which is often painful
This
is a famous victory for our country, so all the drinks this evening
will be on the house.
The
people there were so friendly that staying with them was just
like a home from home.
He
doesn't like to face up to home truths but everybody knows
he is a liar.
If
you would like more practice more please visit our in the You, Meand Us part of our
website.
