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love child
2-
big mama
3-
born on the wrong side of the blanket
4-
born and bred
5-
to have a bun in the oven
6-
to wrap somebody (up) in cotton wool
7-
pigeon pair
8-
one's (own) flesh and blood
9-
curtain lecture
10-
black sheep
11-
chip off the old block
12-
to cut somebody off with a cent
13-
Benjamin of the family
14-
from father to son
love child
love child
noun
uk flag
/lˈʌv tʃˈaɪld/
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Disapproving
Idiom

a child who had parents that were not married to one another

example
Example
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Despite not being married, Tom and Jane welcomed a beautiful love child into their lives.
The actress had a love child with her co-star.
What is the origin of the idiom "love child" and when to use it?

The idiom "love child" is thought to have originated in the 17th century. It is believed to be a reference to the fact that children born out of wedlock were often considered to be the result of a romantic relationship between two people who were not married. The term "love child" is often used in a negative or disapproving way, as it implies that the child is the result of a casual or illicit relationship. However, it is also sometimes used in a more neutral or positive way, as a way to describe a child who was born into a loving and supportive relationship.

Grammatical Information:

compound noun
big mama
big mama
noun
uk flag
/bˈɪɡ mˈɑːmɐ/

a woman that is regarded as the one who provides for her family

Grammatical Information:

compound noun
born on the wrong side of the blanket
born on the wrong side of the blanket
phrase
uk flag
/bˈɔːɹn ɑːnðə ɹˈɔŋ sˈaɪd ʌvðə blˈæŋkɪt/
Disapproving
Humorous
Idiom
Old use

used to refer to a child whose parents were not married at the time of birth

What is the origin of the idiom "born on the wrong side of the blanket" and when to use it?

The phrase "born on the wrong side of the blanket" is an older idiom that dates back to the 18th or 19th century. It alludes to the idea of a child being born out of wedlock or to parents who were not married at the time of their birth. This phrase is used to describe someone's birth status, emphasizing their parentage outside the bounds of traditional marriage. The phrase has fallen out of use in recent years, as attitudes towards illegitimacy have become more accepting, and the term itself is now considered outdated and potentially offensive.

born and bred
born and bred
phrase
uk flag
/bˈɔːɹn ænd bɹˈɛd/
Idiom

used to refer to a place one was born or grew up in

What is the origin of the idiom "born and bred" and when to use it?

The phrase "born and bred" originated in the English language and has been in use since the 16th century. It reflects the idea of someone being both born and raised in a particular place or culture. This phrase is used to emphasize someone's deep roots and familiarity with a particular place or culture. It indicates that their upbringing and experiences have shaped their identity and values in a significant way.

to [have] a bun in the oven
to have a bun in the oven
phrase
uk flag
/hæv ɐ bˈʌn ɪnðɪ ˈʌvən/
Humorous
Idiom

to be expecting a child

What is the origin of the idiom "have a bun in the oven" and when to use it?

The origin of the phrase "have a bun in the oven" is believed to come from early 20th-century American slang. The expression draws a metaphorical comparison between a developing baby in a woman's womb and a bun being baked or cooked in an oven. This phrase is used informally to talk about someone's pregnancy, often in a lighthearted or playful manner. It is commonly used among friends, family members, or in casual conversations.

to [wrap] {sb} (up|) in cotton wool
to wrap somebody (up) in cotton wool
phrase
uk flag
/ɹˈæp ˌɛsbˈiː ˌʌp ɪn kˈɑːʔn̩ wˈʊl/
Disapproving
Idiom
Informal

to protect or treat someone or something in an overly cautious or overprotective manner

What is the origin of the idiom "wrap one in cotton wool" and when to use it?

This idiom is thought to have originated in the 19th century. It is believed to be a reference to the way that cotton wool is used to protect delicate objects. This idiom is used to express the idea of being overly protective towards someone, often out of concern or love. It can refer to physical or emotional protection, indicating a desire to shield someone from any negative experiences or hardships. The phrase "wrap one in cotton wool" is often used in the context of family relationships. It typically refers to the actions of parents or caregivers who are overly protective of their children.

pigeon pair
pigeon pair
noun
uk flag
/pˈɪdʒən pˈɛɹ/
Idiom
Informal

a specific sibling combination consisting of a boy and a girl, typically born consecutively in the same family

What is the origin of the idiom "pigeon pair" and when to use it?

The idiom "pigeon pair" originated in the early 20th century and was derived from the pigeon's tendency to lay two eggs at a time, typically one male and one female. This idiom is used to describe the gender composition of siblings in a family. It indicates that the family has one child of each gender. It is often used colloquially to describe the birth of a boy and a girl in quick succession.

Grammatical Information:

compound noun
{one's} (own|) flesh and blood
one's (own) flesh and blood
phrase
uk flag
/wˈʌnz ˈoʊn flˈɛʃ ænd blˈʌd/
Idiom

used to describe someone with whom one shares a family relation

What is the origin of the idiom "one's flesh and blood" and when to use it?

The idiom "one's own flesh and blood" is thought to have originated in the Bible. In the Book of Genesis, God creates Adam and Eve from the dust of the ground. They are then described as being "bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh" (Genesis 2:23). It is used to describe family members who are related by blood, such as parents, siblings, or children. It emphasizes the special and irreplaceable nature of these relationships, suggesting a strong emotional attachment and a sense of shared identity.

curtain lecture
curtain lecture
noun
uk flag
/kˈɜːtən lˈɛktʃɚ/
Idiom
Informal
Old use

a lecture or reprimand a wife gives to her husband in private

What is the origin of the idiom "curtain lecture" and when to use it?

The idiom "curtain lecture" is thought to have originated in the 17th century, when it was believed that wives would give their husbands lectures while they were getting ready for bed. The term is believed to be a reference to the fact that the curtains were drawn in the bedroom, creating a private space for the wife to talk to her husband. is used to describe a private conversation, often of a critical nature, between spouses. It usually occurs behind closed doors, symbolized by the reference to "curtains." The phrase "curtain lecture" is informal and is less commonly used in modern times.

Grammatical Information:

compound noun
black sheep
black sheep
noun
uk flag
/blˈæk ʃˈiːp/
Disapproving
Idiom
Informal

someone who is regarded as shameful, embarrassing, or disgraceful within their family or group

What is the origin of the idiom "black sheep" and when to use it?

The idiom "black sheep" originated in the early 18th century. It refers to the world of sheep farming, where black sheep were considered less desirable because their dark wool could not be easily dyed or blended with white wool. This association led to the metaphorical use of "black sheep" to describe a person who stands out or deviates from the expected norms within a family or group. The idiom is typically used in a negative way to describe someone who is different from the others in a family or group.

Grammatical Information:

compound noun
chip off the old block
chip off the old block
phrase
uk flag
/tʃˈɪp ˈɔf ðɪ ˈoʊld blˈɑːk/
Approving
Idiom
Informal

someone who closely resembles their parent, especially in terms of personality, traits, or behavior

What is the origin of the idiom "chip off the old block" and when to use it?

The idiom "chip off the old block" is thought to have originated in the 16th century. It is believed to be a reference to the fact that children often resemble their parents in both physical appearance and personality. The idiom "chip off the old block" is typically used in a positive way to describe someone who has similar qualities to their parent or parents.

to [cut] {sb} off with a (cent|penny)
to cut somebody off with a cent
phrase
uk flag
/kˈʌt ˌɛsbˈiː ˈɔf wɪð ɐ sˈɛnt ɔːɹ pˈɛni/
Disapproving
Idiom
Informal

to disinherit or withdraw financial support from a family member as a way to express disapproval or to enforce certain behaviors or decisions

What is the origin of the idiom "cut one off with a cent" and when to use it?

The idiom "cut one off with a cent" is thought to have originated in the 18th century. It is believed to be a reference to the fact that a cent was a small amount of money, and therefore not enough to live on. It is used to describe someone who has been disowned by their family and left with no financial support, which is often used in a negative way, to suggest that the person has been treated unfairly.

Benjamin of the family
Benjamin of the family
phrase
uk flag
/bˈɛndʒəmᵻn ʌvðə fˈæmɪli/
Idiom
Informal

used to refer to the youngest child of a family

What is the origin of the idiom "Benjamin of the family" and when to use it?

The phrase "Benjamin of the family" is derived from the biblical story of Benjamin, who was the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel in the Old Testament. In the story, Benjamin held a special place in his father's heart as the youngest child. It is used o describe the youngest sibling in a family, emphasizing their status as the last born. It conveys the idea that the youngest child is often seen as loved or favored by their parents and may benefit from the attention or special treatment that comes with being the 'baby' of the family.

from father to son
from father to son
phrase
uk flag
/fɹʌm fˈɑːðɚ tə sˈʌn/
Idiom

used to refer to the passing down of traditions, knowledge, values, or skills from one generation to the next, especially from a father to his son

What is the origin of the idiom "from father to son" and when to use it?

The phrase "from father to son" is an ancient concept that traces back to the early societal structures and cultural practices where family lineages held great significance. It reflects the traditional patriarchal systems, where the eldest son was often designated as the heir and responsible for carrying forward the family name, wealth, and values. It is used to emphasize the continuity of a particular trait, skill, or responsibility that is passed down from fathers to their sons.

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