50 Idioms for Siblings (Meanings & Examples)

Idioms are fun phrases that mean something different from the words inside them. People use them to make their speaking and writing more colorful and exciting. In this lesson, you will learn fifty special idioms related to brothers, sisters, family bonds, and siblings.

In this lesson, we’ll look at idioms that mean sharing a close family connection, getting into playful arguments, or sticking together through thick and thin. Let’s get started and explore some of these helpful expressions.

Idioms for Siblings

1. Close as two peas in a pod

Definition: Two siblings or friends who are always together, share similar traits, and are very close.

Used in a Sentence: The twin brothers were as close as two peas in a pod throughout their school years. / Even though they were four years apart, the sisters stayed as close as two peas in a pod.

Similar Expressions: Inseparable pair / Best companions

2. Chip off the old block

Definition: A sibling or child who shares the exact same appearance, personality, or talents as their parent.

Used in a Sentence: Watching Leo build wooden birdhouses just like his dad proved he was a true chip off the old block. / When my younger sister started painting beautifully like our mother, everyone called her a chip off the old block.

Similar Expressions: Just like family / Family resemblance

3. Blood is thicker than water

Definition: A traditional idiom meaning that family relationships and sibling bonds are stronger and more important than connections with outsiders.

Used in a Sentence: They argued often over toys, but when trouble started at school, they remembered that blood is thicker than water. / No matter how much brothers bicker, blood is thicker than water.

Similar Expressions: Family comes first / Loyal family bond

4. Apple of my eye

Definition: A sibling or family member who is extremely cherished and loved above all others.

Used in a Sentence: Little baby Leo was the absolute apple of his older sister’s eye. / She protected her younger brother fiercely because he was the apple of her eye.

Similar Expressions: Most cherished / Highly treasured

5. Birds of a feather

Definition: Siblings or friends who share the exact same interests, hobbies, and personality traits.

Used in a Sentence: Since both sisters loved reading mystery novels, they were true birds of a feather. / The twin brothers were birds of a feather when it came to collecting comic books.

Similar Expressions: Alike companions / Similar tastes

6. Keep up with the Joneses

Definition: A sibling rivalry phrase meaning trying to match or beat what your brother or sister achieves.

Used in a Sentence: The competitive brothers always tried to keep up with each other’s sports trophies. / Instead of trying to keep up with the Joneses, focus on your own goals.

Similar Expressions: Compete with siblings / Match achievements

7. Black sheep of the family

Definition: A sibling who behaves differently, stands out, or doesn’t follow the traditional path of the family.

Used in a Sentence: He joked that he was the black sheep of the family because he loved art while everyone else studied science. / Being the black sheep of the family isn’t bad if you follow your own dreams.

Similar Expressions: Unconventional member / Rebel sibling

8. Run in the family

Definition: A trait, talent, or characteristic shared naturally by all brothers and sisters in a household.

Used in a Sentence: A great sense of humor seems to run in the family among all four sisters. / Musical talent ran in the family, so both brothers played guitar effortlessly.

Similar Expressions: Shared trait / Common family quality

9. Like cat and dog

Definition: Siblings who constantly argue, fight, or disagree with each other over small things.

Used in a Sentence: The brother and sister got along well sometimes, but mostly they fought like cat and dog over the television remote. / Even though they acted like cat and dog, they always defended each other at school.

Similar Expressions: Constant bickerers / Argumentative pair

10. Tied at the hip

Definition: Siblings who spend all their time together and go everywhere side by side.

Used in a Sentence: Those two sisters have been tied at the hip since kindergarten. / During summer camp, the younger brothers were tied at the hip.

Similar Expressions: Inseparable / Always together

11. Ride shotgun

Definition: A sibling fighting playfully for the front passenger seat of the family car.

Used in a Sentence: As soon as dad unlocked the car doors, she shouted “ride shotgun!” to claim the front seat. / The brothers took turns calling ride shotgun on the way to grandma’s house.

Similar Expressions: Front seat claim / Passenger right

12. Rule the roost

Definition: An older sibling who acts like the boss or leader among younger brothers and sisters.

Used in a Sentence: As the oldest sister, she tended to rule the roost whenever parents went out for the evening. / The big brother liked to rule the roost during board game nights.

Similar Expressions: Act as boss / Take charge

13. Born with a silver spoon

Definition: Brothers or sisters born into an extremely wealthy family with equal privileges.

Used in a Sentence: The wealthy siblings grew up as if they were born with a silver spoon, sharing every luxury. / They didn’t have to worry about chores because they were born with a silver spoon.

Similar Expressions: Privileged upbringing / Rich family

14. Keep your sibling’s secrets

Definition: A promise to hide confidential embarrassing stories between brothers and sisters.

Used in a Sentence: Siblings always learn how to keep each other’s secrets safe from parents. / I promised to keep my sister’s secret about the broken vase.

Similar Expressions: Guard secrets / Trust sibling

15. The baby of the family

Definition: The youngest brother or sister in a household, often treated with extra affection.

Used in a Sentence: Even though he was twenty years old, he was still considered the baby of the family. / Being the baby of the family had its perks when getting extra dessert.

Similar Expressions: Youngest sibling / Little one

16. The eldest of the brood

Definition: The oldest brother or sister who looks after the younger siblings.

Used in a Sentence: As the eldest of the brood, she helped her brothers with their homework every afternoon. / The eldest of the brood took responsibility during family trips.

Similar Expressions: Oldest sibling / Firstborn

17. Middle child syndrome

Definition: A playful term for a middle sibling who feels overlooked between an older and younger brother or sister.

Used in a Sentence: He joked about suffering from middle child syndrome when his hand-me-down bike arrived. / Parents make sure to give extra attention so middle children don’t feel left out.

Similar Expressions: Overlooked sibling / Middle position

18. Share a room

Definition: A literal and social sibling situation requiring brothers or sisters to live in one bedroom.

Used in a Sentence: Growing up, the two sisters had to share a room and negotiate bedtime stories. / Sharing a room taught the brothers how to compromise and cooperate.

Similar Expressions: Roommates / Shared space

19. Hand-me-down clothes

Definition: Clothing passed down from an older sibling to a younger brother or sister.

Used in a Sentence: He wore his older brother’s hand-me-down winter coat proudly on the first school day. / Younger siblings often inherit hand-me-down books and bicycles.

Similar Expressions: Passed-down items / Reused garments

20. Sibling rivalry

Definition: The natural competition, jealousy, and fighting that happens between brothers and sisters.

Used in a Sentence: Healthy sibling rivalry pushed both brothers to practice soccer harder every day. / Parents try to minimize sibling rivalry by treating everyone equally.

Similar Expressions: Brotherly competition / Sisterly clash

21. Stand up for your brother

Definition: To protect, defend, and support your sibling when someone treats them unfairly.

Used in a Sentence: Whenever bullies bothered his little sister, he would immediately stand up for her. / Good siblings always stand up for each other at school.

Similar Expressions: Defend sibling / Protect brother

22. Thick as thieves

Definition: Siblings who share a very tight secret bond and plot playful mischief together.

Used in a Sentence: The two brothers were thick as thieves when it came to planning April Fool’s jokes. / The sisters were thick as thieves, sharing every diary entry.

Similar Expressions: Very close / Secretive partners

23. Two of a kind

Definition: Siblings who share identical hobbies, behaviors, or funny habits.

Used in a Sentence: When both brothers ordered the exact same meal at the diner, mom smiled and called them two of a kind. / The sisters were two of a kind when organizing art projects.

Similar Expressions: Similar pair / Identical style

24. Spare tire

Definition: An uncomplimentary sibling term for an extra family member who feels left out of plans.

Used in a Sentence: He felt like a spare tire when his older brother and his friend went off to play video games alone. / Including younger siblings prevents them from feeling like a spare tire.

Similar Expressions: Left out / Extra wheel

25. Ride the coattails

Definition: A younger sibling benefiting from the good reputation or success of an older brother or sister.

Used in a Sentence: Since his older sister was an honor student, he felt like he was riding her coattails when teachers praised him. / Younger siblings sometimes ride the coattails of family fame.

Similar Expressions: Benefit from sibling / Follow success

26. Step into someone’s shoes

Definition: To take over the role, responsibilities, or expectations left behind by an older sibling.

Used in a Sentence: When his older brother graduated, he had to step into his shoes as captain of the chess team. / Stepping into your sibling’s shoes can feel like big pressure.

Similar Expressions: Take over role / Follow footsteps

27. Follow in footsteps

Definition: To choose the same career, school, or hobby that an older sibling pursued.

Used in a Sentence: She decided to follow in her older sister’s footsteps by joining the school debate team. / Both brothers followed in their father’s footsteps to play basketball.

Similar Expressions: Copy path / Mimic career

28. Eat out of house and home

Definition: A humorous phrase about hungry teenage siblings consuming all the food in the pantry.

Used in a Sentence: Growing teenage brothers can eat you out of house and home in a single weekend. / Stocking groceries for three hungry siblings means feeding kids who eat you out of house and home.

Similar Expressions: Consume all food / Big appetite

29. Get on your nerves

Definition: When a sibling’s annoying habits drive you crazy during long days together.

Used in a Sentence: His constant whistling while studying started to get on my nerves. / Listening to siblings argue can get on your nerves quickly.

Similar Expressions: Annoy / Irritate

30. Bury the hatchet

Definition: For siblings to make peace and stop arguing after a long family disagreement.

Used in a Sentence: After fighting over the video game console, the brothers finally decided to bury the hatchet. / Good sisters know how to bury the hatchet and forgive quickly.

Similar Expressions: Make peace / End argument

31. Share the blame

Definition: Siblings taking equal responsibility for a household mess or mischief they caused together.

Used in a Sentence: When mom found the broken lamp, both brother and sister agreed to share the blame. / Teammate siblings share the blame when games are lost.

Similar Expressions: Accept responsibility / Split fault

32. Pass the buck

Definition: Blaming your sibling for a mess or mistake so you don’t get in trouble.

Used in a Sentence: When asked who ate the last cookie, he tried to pass the buck to his little sister. / Stop trying to pass the buck and admit you left the door open.

Similar Expressions: Shift blame / Avoid fault

33. Play peacekeeper

Definition: A middle sibling who tries to stop arguments between an older and younger brother or sister.

Used in a Sentence: Whenever the oldest and youngest started arguing, she stepped in to play peacekeeper. / Being the oldest doesn’t mean you always have to play peacekeeper.

Similar Expressions: Resolve fights / Calm tension

34. Drive someone up the wall

Definition: When a sibling’s persistent teasing makes you extremely frustrated.

Used in a Sentence: My little brother hiding my pencil case always drives me up the wall. / Sisters teasing each other can drive parents up the wall.

Similar Expressions: Frustrate / Drive crazy

35. Pull your weight

Definition: An instruction telling a sibling to do their fair share of household chores.

Used in a Sentence: Mom told all three brothers to pull their weight if they wanted to go to the park. / Sharing chores means every sibling must pull their weight.

Similar Expressions: Do your share / Help out

36. Split down the middle

Definition: Dividing snacks, treats, or chores equally between two siblings.

Used in a Sentence: We had one chocolate bar left, so we split it down the middle. / Fairness means dividing responsibilities down the middle among sisters.

Similar Expressions: Divide equally / Share fairly

37. Give someone a taste of their own medicine

Definition: Playing a harmless prank back on a sibling who teased you first.

Used in a Sentence: After my brother scared me with a toy spider, I decided to give him a taste of his own medicine. / Sibling teasing often involves giving each other a taste of their own medicine.

Similar Expressions: Retaliate playfully / Pay back

38. Keep the peace

Definition: Maintaining calm behavior to avoid starting fights with brothers and sisters.

Used in a Sentence: During long holiday car rides, everyone tried their best to keep the peace. / Grandma reminded us to keep the peace during family dinners.

Similar Expressions: Stay calm / Avoid fights

39. Share a bond

Definition: Having a deep emotional connection and loyalty that only siblings understand.

Used in a Sentence: Growing up through the same adventures helped the brothers share a lifelong bond. / Sisters share a bond that survives distance and time.

Similar Expressions: Deep connection / Family tie

40. Take under your wing

Definition: An older sibling guiding, teaching, and protecting a younger brother or sister.

Used in a Sentence: When his little brother started middle school, he took him under his wing to show him around. / Older siblings love to take younger ones under their wing.

Similar Expressions: Mentor / Protect younger sibling

41. Born on the same wavelength

Definition: Siblings who understand each other instantly without needing to speak out loud.

Used in a Sentence: The twin sisters were born on the same wavelength and finished each other’s sentences. / Brothers working together often feel like they are on the same wavelength.

Similar Expressions: Understand instantly / Mind reader connection

42. Keep tabs on

Definition: Checking what your sibling is doing or making sure they stay out of trouble.

Used in a Sentence: Mom asked me to keep tabs on my little brother while we were at the park. / Older sisters love to keep tabs on their younger siblings’ grades.

Similar Expressions: Watch over / Monitor

43. Cover for someone

Definition: Covering up a sibling’s minor mistake so they don’t get in trouble with parents.

Used in a Sentence: I agreed to cover for my brother when he accidentally tracked mud across the clean floor. / Siblings often cover for each other during secret gift planning.

Similar Expressions: Protect from trouble / Hide mistake

44. Tell tales

Definition: Tattling or reporting a sibling’s bad behavior to parents.

Used in a Sentence: The younger brother promised not to tell tales if his sister shared her popcorn. / Parents discourage kids from telling tales about minor mistakes.

Similar Expressions: Tattle / Report misbehavior

45. Cry over spilled milk

Definition: Arguing over a silly, minor sibling mishap that cannot be changed.

Used in a Sentence: When the juice carton tipped over, mom told us not to cry over spilled milk and grab a towel. / Arguing about broken toys is just crying over spilled milk.

Similar Expressions: Don’t stress minor issues / Let it go

46. Make waves

Definition: A sibling causing drama or disruption within the family routine.

Used in a Sentence: He tried not to make waves during dinner so everyone could enjoy the meal. / Arguing over TV shows always makes waves in the house.

Similar Expressions: Cause trouble / Stir drama

47. Family first

Definition: A core value emphasizing that siblings and relatives matter above all else.

Used in a Sentence: When my brother needed help moving, I dropped my plans because family comes first. / Growing up, our parents taught us the rule of family first.

Similar Expressions: Relatives priority / Loyalty to kin

48. Thick and thin

Definition: Supporting your brother or sister through all good and bad life moments.

Used in a Sentence: Real siblings stick together through thick and thin, no matter how much they argue. / They remained best friends through thick and thin.

Similar Expressions: Through all challenges / Unwavering loyalty

49. Partners in crime

Definition: A pair of siblings who constantly team up for playful mischief or adventures.

Used in a Sentence: The two younger brothers were partners in crime when hiding cookies before dinner. / The sisters were partners in crime during school talent shows.

Similar Expressions: Mischief makers / Teammates in fun

50. Family ties

Definition: The strong, unbreakable bonds connecting brothers, sisters, and relatives.

Used in a Sentence: No matter where life took them, their strong family ties brought them back together every holidays. / Family ties remain unbreakable across generations.

Similar Expressions: Kinship / Family bond

Exercise to Practice

1. The twin brothers were as close as two peas in a pod throughout their school years.
2. Watching Leo build wooden birdhouses just like his dad proved he was a true chip off the old block.
3. They argued often over toys, but when trouble started at school, they remembered that blood is thicker than water.
4. The brother and sister never argued and agreed on everything peacefully without any disagreements.
5. Those two sisters have been tied at the hip since kindergarten.
6. As the oldest sister, she tended to rule the roost whenever parents went out for the evening.
7. Siblings always learn how to keep each other’s secrets safe from parents.
8. The younger brother loved to tattle on his sister and tell tales whenever she made a tiny mistake.
9. When the juice carton tipped over, mom told us to cry loudly and scream for hours.
10. Real siblings stick together through thick and thin, no matter how much they argue.
11. The two younger brothers were partners in crime when hiding cookies before dinner.
12. No matter where life took them, their strong family ties brought them back together.
13. Sharing a room taught the brothers how to compromise and cooperate.
14. The competitive brothers always tried to keep up with each other’s sports trophies.
15. He joked that he was the black sheep of the family because he did everything exactly like his parents.

Answer Key

1. True
2. True
3. True
4. False
5. True
6. True
7. True
8. True
9. False
10. True
11. True
12. True
13. True
14. True
15. False

Conclusion

Learning these idioms helps make your writing and speaking much more colorful and fun. Instead of using plain words, you can use these special expressions to describe brothers, sisters, family bonds, and sibling relationships. Try using one or two of these idioms when you talk to your family or write a story today. Notice how much brighter and more interesting your writing becomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common idioms for siblings?

Common idioms for siblings include being as close as two peas in a pod, being a chip off the old block, and knowing that blood is thicker than water. These phrases help describe family bonds, rivalries, and closeness in a colorful way.

Why do we use idioms in English?

We use idioms to make our language more expressive, creative, and interesting. They allow us to paint a picture with words instead of just stating simple facts.

How can I remember these idioms easily?

You can remember idioms by practicing them in daily conversations and writing your own funny sentences with them. Drawing pictures of what the literal words mean can also help you recall them.

Are idioms used in everyday spoken English?

Yes, native English speakers use idioms all the time in casual conversations, movies, books, and music. Learning them helps you understand what people mean when they talk or write.

Can I use these idioms in school writing?

You can use idioms in creative writing stories, journal entries, and speeches to make your writing stand out. Just remember to use formal language for serious reports and science papers.