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.

What is the origin of the idiom "love child" and when to use it?

love child

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big mama

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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in recent years, as attitudes towards illegitimacy have become more accepting, and the term itself is now considered outdated and potentially offensive.

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

born on the wrong side of the blanket

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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.

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

born and bred

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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.

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

to [have] a bun in the oven

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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.

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

to [wrap] {sb} (up|) in cotton wool

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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.

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

pigeon pair

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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.

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

{one's} (own|) flesh and blood

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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.

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

curtain lecture

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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.

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

black sheep

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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.

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

chip off the old block

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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.

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

to [cut] {sb} off with a (cent|penny)

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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.

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

Benjamin of the family

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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.

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

from father to son

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Master English idioms regarding family, like "born and bred" and "black sheep".

English Idioms for "Family"