20+ Idioms about Babies and Children
Language is a vibrant tapestry woven with idiomatic expressions that bring life and color to our conversations. When it comes to babies and children, these idioms take on a heartwarming charm, capturing the essence of their innocence, wonder, and unique qualities. In this blog, we will embark on an enchanting exploration of over 20 idioms that revolve around babies and children, unraveling their meanings and providing delightful examples to illustrate their usage.
Bundle of joy
Meaning: Refers to a newborn baby who brings immense happiness and delight to their family.
Example: Sarah and John welcomed their little bundle of joy into the world yesterday.
Babe In Arms
Meaning: A baby being carried
Example: The proud parents carried their babe in arms as they strolled through the park, enjoying the warm sunshine.
Apple of my eye
Meaning: An endearing expression used to describe someone who is cherished or loved deeply, often referring to a child.
Example: My granddaughter is the apple of my eye. I can’t help but smile whenever I see her.
Born with a silver spoon in their mouth
Meaning: Describes someone who is born into a wealthy or privileged family.
Example: With parents who are successful entrepreneurs, it’s clear that he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth.
Child’s play
Meaning: Refers to something that is easy or simple to do, just like a game or activity enjoyed by children.
Example: Fixing this issue is child’s play. I’ll have it sorted in no time.
Babe In The Woods
Meaning: An innocent, naive person
Example: Lost and confused, the young hiker found themselves like a babe in the woods, unsure of which path to take.
Cry over spilled milk
Meaning: Suggests that it is pointless to lament or worry about something that has already happened and cannot be changed.
Example: Yes, we made a mistake, but there’s no use crying over spilled milk. Let’s focus on finding a solution.
Like a bull in a china shop
Meaning: Describes someone who is clumsy or lacking finesse, often used to refer to a rambunctious child.
Example: Watch out when Timmy enters the room. He’s like a bull in a china shop, always knocking things over.
Baby Boomer
Meaning: A person born in the years following World War II, when there was a temporary marked increase in the birth rate
Example: As a baby boomer, my grandfather witnessed significant social and cultural changes during the post-war era.
Butterflies in the stomach
Meaning: Expresses the feeling of nervousness or excitement, often felt in anticipation of something significant.
Example: Before her first dance recital, Emily had butterflies in her stomach.
Chip off the Old Block
Meaning: Someone who resembles a direct ancestor, usually the father
Example: When the teacher saw John’s impeccable manners and academic excellence, she remarked, “He’s truly a chip off the old block, just like his father.”
Cry over spilled milk
Meaning: Implies that it is pointless to dwell on past mistakes or unfortunate events that cannot be undone.
Example: Yes, we missed the bus, but there’s no use crying over spilled milk. Let’s find an alternative way to get there.
Head in the clouds
Meaning: Describes someone who is often daydreaming or not paying attention.
Example: Ever since he fell in love, John has had his head in the clouds and can’t focus on his work.
Born on The Wrong Side of the Blanket
Meaning: Born to parents who were not married
Example: Although she was born on the wrong side of the blanket, Jane defied societal expectations and achieved great success in her career.
Little pitchers have big ears
Meaning: Suggests that children are attentive listeners and may overhear conversations or absorb information even when it’s not intended for them.
Example: Be careful what you say; little pitchers have big ears.
Monkey see, monkey do
Meaning: Indicates that children tend to imitate the actions or behaviors of others, especially adults.
Example: When Sarah started wearing glasses, her little brother followed suit. Monkey see, monkey do.
Boys will be Boys
Meaning: A phrase of resignation used when boys get into trouble or are stereotypically reckless or rowdy
Example: After the boys returned home with muddy clothes and playful grins, their mother sighed and said, “Boys will be boys.”
Spare the rod and spoil the child
Meaning: Reflects the belief that without discipline or punishment, a child may become spoiled or undisciplined.
Example: Some people believe in strict parenting, following the motto ‘spare the rod and spoil the child.’
Sugar and spice and everything nice
Meaning: Describes the idealized qualities associated with girls, emphasizing sweetness, kindness, and good behavior.
Example: She’s the epitome of sugar and spice and everything nice.
Wet Behind the Ears
Meaning: Inexperienced, immature, new to something
Example: As a recent college graduate, Sarah was still wet behind the ears when it came to navigating the professional world.
Tall as a beanstalk
Meaning: Used to describe a child who has grown tall quickly.
Example: Sam has shot up like a beanstalk. He’s taller than all his classmates now.
Teach an old dog new tricks
Meaning: Suggests that it is challenging to change someone’s established habits or behavior, particularly in reference to older individuals.
Example: Grandpa has always been resistant to using a smartphone. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
The terrible twos
Meaning: Refers to the challenging phase experienced by toddlers around the age of two when they display tantrums and defiant behavior.
Example: Don’t worry; it’s just the terrible twos. It’s a normal phase of development.
Like a Kid in a Candy Store
Meaning: To be so excited about one’s surroundings that one acts in a childlike or silly way
Example: When Jenny entered the toy shop, her eyes lit up, and she ran from aisle to aisle, like a kid in a candy store, unable to contain her excitement.
Walk on eggshells
Meaning: Describes the need to be extremely cautious or careful in dealing with a sensitive or easily upset child or person.
Example: Ever since Emma’s parents got divorced, we have to walk on eggshells around her.
When pigs fly
Meaning: Indicates something that is highly unlikely or impossible to happen.
Example: Sure, I’ll clean my room when pigs fly.
Young at heart
Meaning: Describes someone who has a youthful and vibrant outlook on life, regardless of their age.
Example: Although she’s in her seventies, Grandma is still young at heart and loves to go on adventurous trips.
Sleep Like a Baby
Meaning: To experience a very deep and restful sleep; to sleep soundly
Example: After a long day of playing and exploring, the exhausted toddler fell asleep quickly and slept like a baby throughout the night.
These idioms about babies and children bring a touch of whimsy and insight into the world of the little ones. Whether it’s describing their innocence, energy, or unique behaviors, these idiomatic expressions add a playful and colorful dimension to our conversations. From the joy of welcoming a bundle of joy to the challenges of navigating the terrible twos, these idioms capture the diverse experiences and emotions associated with raising children.
