Parents play a big role in our lives, and sometimes, we use special phrases or idioms to talk about them. These idioms can make our language more interesting and fun. Instead of just saying something directly, idioms let us express ideas in a creative way.
In this article, we will explore a variety of idioms that relate to parents. Understanding these idioms can help us talk about our parents in more meaningful ways. Whether we are talking about their advice, care, or influence, these idioms bring a deeper connection to how we see them. Let’s dive into these fun expressions and discover their meanings.
Idioms about Parents
1. A Mother’s Love
Meaning: A mother’s love is very strong and caring.
Example: My mom always makes me feel safe. She loves me like no one else. / When I fell down, my mom picked me up and hugged me tight.
Put Differently: A mom’s love makes you feel cared for. / A mother’s love is warm and kind, like a big hug.
2. Father Knows Best
Meaning: Fathers are wise and know what is right.
Example: My dad told me to save my money. He always knows what’s best. / When I had a problem, my dad gave me good advice.
Put Differently: Dad always has the right answer. / He knows what to do when I’m confused.
3. Like Father, Like Son
Meaning: Sons act like their fathers.
Example: Jake loves soccer just like his dad. / Timmy loves to fix things like his dad.
Put Differently: Sons often like the same things their dads do. / Fathers and sons share the same hobbies.
4. Mom’s the Word
Meaning: When a mother tells you something, it is important to keep it a secret.
Example: Mom asked me not to tell anyone about her surprise party. / I kept it quiet because “Mom’s the word.” I promised not to share the secret because mom said so.
Put Differently: If mom says not to tell, I don’t say anything. / Keeping mom’s secret is important.
5. The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far from the Tree
Meaning: Children are similar to their parents.
Example: Sally is just like her mom; she loves reading too. / John has the same smile as his dad.
Put Differently: Kids often look like their parents. / Children do things just like their parents.
6. Helicopter Parent
Meaning: A parent who is very protective and watches everything their child does.
Example: My mom won’t let me go outside without checking first, she’s like a helicopter parent. / Dad keeps asking if I need help with everything, like a helicopter parent.
Put Differently: Some parents are always watching over you. / They care a lot and want to know everything.
7. Tied to Your Mother’s Apron Strings
Meaning: A person who depends too much on their mother for help or comfort.
Example: Mark always asks his mom to do his homework for him. He’s tied to her apron strings. / He never goes anywhere without his mom’s permission, he’s tied to her apron strings.
Put Differently: He always relies on his mom for everything. / He can’t do things without his mom.
8. A Father’s Hand
Meaning: A father’s gentle and guiding influence.
Example: When I was scared, my dad held my hand and made me feel brave. / I always feel safe with my dad’s hand holding mine.
Put Differently: A father helps guide you when you feel lost. / Dad’s hand is there to help you through tough times.
9. Mama Bear
Meaning: A mother who is protective of her children.
Example: When my sister was hurt, mom acted like a mama bear and wanted to take care of her. / Mom stood up for me when someone was mean, like a mama bear.
Put Differently: Moms protect their kids with love. / A mama bear makes sure her kids are safe.
10. Dad’s Little Buddy
Meaning: A child who spends a lot of time with their father.
Example: Ben loves going to baseball games with his dad. He’s his dad’s little buddy. / Jack is always helping his dad fix the car, they’re best buddies.
Put Differently: Dad and his child share special time together. / A little buddy always has fun with dad.
11. A Chip off the Old Block
Meaning: A child who is very similar to their parent, especially in appearance or behavior.
Example: Lisa is just like her dad; they both love fishing. / Tim plays guitar just like his father.
Put Differently: The child is just like their parent. / Children act like their parents in many ways.
12. A Mother’s Touch
Meaning: A mother’s special care that makes things better.
Example: Mom gave me a bandaid for my scrape and kissed it, her mother’s touch made me feel better. / After the long day, mom’s hug felt like a mother’s touch.
Put Differently: Moms know just how to make you feel better. / A mother’s love makes everything okay.
13. Spitting Image
Meaning: A child looks exactly like one of their parents.
Example: Sarah is the spitting image of her mother, they have the same smile. / He is the spitting image of his dad, especially in the eyes.
Put Differently: You look just like your mom or dad. / A child can look exactly like a parent.
14. The Old Man
Meaning: An informal or affectionate way to refer to one’s father.
Example: I’m going to watch the game with the old man this afternoon. / The old man loves to tell funny stories about when he was young.
Put Differently: Calling dad “the old man” shows love. / A fun nickname for dad is “the old man.”
15. The Good Parent
Meaning: A parent who sets a good example and teaches their child right from wrong.
Example: Dad is the good parent; he always helps me with my homework. / Mom is the good parent because she teaches me how to be kind to others.
Put Differently: A good parent is someone who guides you. / Good parents make sure you learn important lessons.
16. Under Mom’s Wing
Meaning: To be taken care of and protected by one’s mother.
Example: Little Emma is always under her mom’s wing when she gets nervous. / Even though Jake is older, he still likes to stay under his mom’s wing.
Put Differently: Mom keeps you safe and close. / You stay protected under mom’s care.
17. Parent’s Pride
Meaning: Parents who are very proud of their children’s accomplishments.
Example: When I won the race, I could see my dad’s pride in his eyes. / Mom told me how happy she was; I could feel her parent’s pride.
Put Differently: Parents feel proud when their kids succeed. / They love watching you do your best.
18. The Head of the House
Meaning: The person who is in charge at home, usually a father.
Example: My dad is the head of the house; he helps us make decisions. / Mom and dad work together as the head of the house.
Put Differently: The person who makes decisions in the family. / The head of the house guides the family.
19. Mommy’s Boy
Meaning: A boy who is very close to his mother.
Example: Billy is always with his mom; he’s a real mommy’s boy. / My little brother always asks mom to help him; he’s a mommy’s boy.
Put Differently: Some boys like to stay close to their moms. / A mommy’s boy loves being around mom.
20. Daddy’s Girl
Meaning: A girl who is very close to her father.
Example: Sarah loves spending time with her dad; she’s a daddy’s girl. / Jenny always asks dad for help; she’s daddy’s girl.
Put Differently: A daddy’s girl loves to be with her father. / Girls who are close to their dads are called daddy’s girls.
21. A Father’s Blessing
Meaning: A father’s approval and good wishes for his child.
Example: When I graduated, my dad gave me his father’s blessing to move forward. / Dad’s words of encouragement felt like a father’s blessing before my big game.
Put Differently: A father’s blessing is when he shows he’s proud of you. / His blessing makes you feel ready for anything.
22. Mom’s Little Helper
Meaning: A child who helps their mother with tasks.
Example: Every Saturday, I’m mom’s little helper by cleaning the house. / Emma loves being mom’s little helper in the kitchen.
Put Differently: A child who enjoys helping mom with chores. / Little helpers are always there to lend a hand.
23. Like Mother, Like Daughter
Meaning: Daughters are often similar to their mothers in appearance or behavior.
Example: Emily loves painting just like her mom. / Kate and her mother are both great at cooking.
Put Differently: A daughter often shares the same qualities as her mother. / Daughters and mothers often like the same things.
24. A Parent’s Guidance
Meaning: The advice and direction a parent gives their child.
Example: With my parent’s guidance, I learned how to ride a bike. / Dad’s guidance helped me choose the right path for school.
Put Differently: Parents teach you the right way to do things. / You listen to your parents to help you grow.
25. A Mother’s Pride
Meaning: The pride a mother feels when her child succeeds.
Example: Mom’s pride was obvious when I scored the highest in my class. / I could see her pride when I finished the puzzle.
Put Differently: A mother feels proud when you do well. / A mother’s pride shines when her child succeeds.
26. The Father Figure
Meaning: A man who acts as a father or role model, even if not the biological father.
Example: My uncle has always been a father figure to me. / Coach Smith is like a father figure to all the kids on the team.
Put Differently: Someone who looks after you like a father. / A father figure is a role model who guides you.
27. Parents’ Little Treasure
Meaning: A child who is loved and cherished by their parents.
Example: Lily is her parents’ little treasure; they always take care of her. / Timmy is his mom’s little treasure because he’s always so helpful.
Put Differently: Parents treat their kids like they are very special. / A little treasure is loved deeply by their parents.
28. A Father’s Advice
Meaning: The helpful tips or words of wisdom a father shares.
Example: My father’s advice helped me pass my driving test. / Dad gave me some fatherly advice before I went to college.
Put Differently: When dad gives advice, it’s usually good. / A father’s advice is something you can trust.
29. Mom’s Special Touch
Meaning: A mother’s unique way of doing things that makes them better.
Example: When mom bakes cookies, they always taste better because of her special touch. / Mom’s special touch made the party extra fun.
Put Differently: Mom does things in a way that makes them extra special./ A mother’s special touch makes everything better.
30. A Parent’s Love
Meaning: The deep love that parents have for their children.
Example: No matter what happens, I know my mom’s love will always be there. / Dad’s love made me feel safe when I was scared.
Put Differently: Parents love you no matter what. / A parent’s love never fades away.
31. Family First
Meaning: A belief that family is the most important thing.
Example: No matter what, we always put family first, especially during holidays. / Dad says family first, so we all eat dinner together.
Put Differently: Family is more important than anything else. / We always think of our family before anything else.
32. A Mother’s Embrace
Meaning: A mother’s loving hug or protection.
Example: After I fell, I ran to my mom for a mother’s embrace. / Mom’s embrace always makes me feel safe.
Put Differently: A mother’s embrace is warm and loving. / A hug from mom makes everything feel better.
33. Like Father, Like Daughter
Meaning: A daughter resembles her father, in behavior or looks.
Example: Lucy loves playing basketball just like her dad. / She’s just like her father, always making people laugh.
Put Differently: Daughters often take after their fathers. / A daughter’s traits are sometimes just like her dad’s.
34. The Parent Trap
Meaning: A situation where parents try to manage or control their children too much.
Example: Sometimes, it feels like a parent trap when my mom asks too many questions. / Dad tries to manage everything, and it feels like a parent trap.
Put Differently: Parents can sometimes be too controlling. / A parent trap is when parents try to do too much for their kids.
35. A Parent’s Watchful Eye
Meaning: Parents who carefully watch over their children’s actions.
Example: Mom always keeps a watchful eye when I play outside. / Dad has a watchful eye when I’m learning to ride my bike.
Put Differently: Parents are always keeping an eye on you. / A watchful parent makes sure you’re safe.
36. Mom’s Wisdom
Meaning: The wise advice or knowledge that a mother shares.
Example: My mom’s wisdom helped me solve my friendship problem. / Mom’s wisdom is what I turn to when I need help.
Put Differently: Mom gives great advice that helps in tough situations. / Wisdom from mom can guide you through problems.
37. Dad’s Big Hands
Meaning: A father’s protective care and strength.
Example: When I was little, I always felt safe in dad’s big hands. / Dad’s big hands helped me climb that tree.
Put Differently: Dad’s hands are strong and caring. / You feel safe with dad’s protective hands.
38. A Parent’s Heart
Meaning: The deep, loving feelings parents have for their children.
Example: My mom’s heart is full of love every time I need her. / Dad’s heart was full of joy when I succeeded.
Put Differently: A parent’s heart is full of care and love. / Parents have a big heart when they love their kids.
39. Like a Mother Hen
Meaning: A mother who is very protective and looks after her children closely.
Example: My mom is like a mother hen, always making sure I have everything I need. / She’s like a mother hen, always looking out for us.
Put Differently: A mother who watches over you closely. / Moms who take care of everything are like a mother hen.
40. Dad’s Advice is Gold
Meaning: The advice from a father is very valuable and helpful.
Example: Dad’s advice is gold when it comes to fixing things. / I always listen to my dad’s advice because it’s worth a lot.
Put Differently: A dad’s advice is always good. / You can trust your dad’s advice to be helpful.
“Rewrite the Sentence” Activity:Idioms about Parents
Below are 10 sentences about parents and family. Your task is to rewrite each sentence using one of the idioms about parents you learned earlier. Try to make sure your new sentence sounds natural and fits well with the situation. Each sentence should still make sense and relate to something that happens in real life.
Sentences to Rewrite
- My mom always looks out for me and makes sure I’m okay.
- My dad helps me understand things when I’m confused.
- My sister is always by my side when I need help.
- When I did something wrong, my mom made me feel better with a hug.
- Dad always knows what’s the best thing to do.
- My mom gives me advice about school and life.
- I love it when my dad takes me out for fun activities.
- My mom is always so proud of me when I do something good.
- My dad is always the one who helps me when I need to make big decisions.
- I always want to stay close to my parents because they make me feel safe.
Answer Key
- My mom always keeps a watchful eye on me and makes sure I’m okay.
- My dad gives me father’s advice when I’m confused.
- My sister is always under mom’s wing when I need help.
- When I did something wrong, my mom made me feel better with a mother’s embrace.
- Dad always knows best what’s the best thing to do.
- My mom gives me mom’s wisdom about school and life.
- I love it when my dad takes me out for fun activities; he’s my dad’s little buddy.
- My mom is always so proud of me; I can see her parent’s pride when I do something good.
- My dad is always the one who helps me when I need to make big decisions; he’s the head of the house.
- I always want to stay close to my parents because they make me feel safe with their a mother’s touch.
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve explored many idioms about parents that can help us express the love, care, and wisdom parents bring into our lives. These idioms are great tools to talk about how our moms and dads help, guide, and support us in ways that make us feel safe and loved. Whether it’s a mother’s embrace or a father’s advice, these expressions show how much parents shape our lives.
Learning about these idioms not only makes our language richer but also helps us appreciate our parents more. They are there for us, guiding us with their wisdom and love. The more we understand these expressions, the better we can express our feelings about our parents and the importance they have in our lives. Remember, next time you talk about your parents, you can use some of these idioms to show just how much they mean to you.
