IELTS Vocabulary Topics Family & Society

Idioms for IELTS: Family & Society

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Created a month ago

blood is thicker than water

Definition

Family bonds are stronger or more important than other relationships.

Examples

Some people believe that blood is thicker than water and that relatives should always support one another.
Although friendships can be powerful, many cultures still teach that blood is thicker than water.

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blood is thicker than water
Family bonds are stronger or more important than other relationships.
Examples
- Some people believe that blood is thicker than water and that relatives should always support one another.
- Although friendships can be powerful, many cultures still teach that blood is thicker than water.
one’s flesh and blood
One's own family member, especially a close biological relative.
Examples
- Parents often feel a deep responsibility towards their own flesh and blood.
- He found it difficult to criticise his son because he was his flesh and blood.
one’s nearest and dearest
One's closest family members or loved ones.
Examples
- People usually turn to their nearest and dearest during times of crisis.
- A healthy work-life balance allows individuals to spend more time with their nearest and dearest.
the ties that bind
The emotional connections, duties, or shared experiences that hold a family or community together.
Examples
- Shared traditions are often the ties that bind extended families together.
- In modern society, distance and migration can weaken the ties that bind communities.
run in the family
To be common among members of the same family, especially a trait, habit, or condition.
Examples
- Musical talent seems to run in the family.
- Some health problems run in the family and may require regular screening.
the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree
Children often resemble their parents in behaviour, values, or personality.
Examples
- He became a teacher like his mother, proving that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
- The phrase the apple doesn't fall far from the tree is often used when children inherit their parents' habits.
the black sheep of the family
A family member who is seen as different, troublesome, or a source of embarrassment.
Examples
- He was treated as the black sheep of the family because he rejected the family business.
- Labelling someone the black sheep of the family can deepen feelings of isolation.
skeletons in the closet
Hidden family or personal secrets that could cause shame or embarrassment if revealed.
Examples
- Many families have skeletons in the closet that they avoid discussing.
- Public figures often fear that old skeletons in the closet will damage their reputation.
keep up appearances
To pretend that one's family, social life, or financial situation is better than it really is.
Examples
- Some families keep up appearances even when they are struggling financially.
- The pressure to keep up appearances can prevent people from seeking help.
under one roof
Living together in the same home.
Examples
- Three generations often live under one roof in traditional households.
- Living under one roof can strengthen family bonds but also create tension.
settle down
To begin a stable adult life, often involving marriage, family, or a permanent home.
Examples
- Some people prefer to settle down only after establishing their careers.
- In many cultures, young adults are expected to settle down by a certain age.
start a family
To have children or begin family life as parents.
Examples
- Many couples delay the decision to start a family because of career demands.
- Affordable childcare can make it easier for working adults to start a family.
put food on the table
To provide enough income to meet a household's basic needs.
Examples
- Many parents take difficult jobs simply to put food on the table.
- Rising living costs make it harder for low-income families to put food on the table.
make ends meet
To manage financially with limited income.
Examples
- Families on low wages often struggle to make ends meet.
- Social support can help vulnerable households make ends meet during economic downturns.
climb the social ladder
To improve one's social or economic position.
Examples
- Education is often seen as a way to climb the social ladder.
- In unequal societies, it can be difficult for poor families to climb the social ladder.
fall on hard times
To experience serious financial difficulty or misfortune.
Examples
- A family may fall on hard times after job loss or illness.
- Community support is important when elderly people fall on hard times.
bad blood
Long-standing anger, hostility, or resentment between people.
Examples
- There was bad blood between the relatives after the inheritance dispute.
- Unresolved family conflict can create bad blood for generations.
not be on speaking terms
To refuse to talk to someone because of conflict or resentment.
Examples
- The two brothers are not on speaking terms after a serious disagreement.
- Families may stop being on speaking terms when disputes are never resolved.
patch things up
To repair a damaged relationship after conflict.
Examples
- The siblings tried to patch things up before their parents' anniversary.
- Counselling can help couples patch things up after a period of tension.
clear the air
To discuss problems openly in order to reduce tension or misunderstanding.
Examples
- The family meeting helped clear the air after months of silence.
- It is better to clear the air than allow resentment to build up.
stand by someone
To support someone during difficulty, criticism, or hardship.
Examples
- A strong family will stand by someone even when they make mistakes.
- Many people rely on close relatives to stand by them during illness or unemployment.
it takes a village
Raising children requires support from the wider community, not only parents.
Examples
- The saying it takes a village highlights the role of teachers, neighbours, and relatives in child development.
- Modern parenting can feel isolating when communities forget that it takes a village.