What does “Birds of a feather flock together” mean?
"Birds of a feather flock together" means that people who have similar interests or characteristics tend to spend time together.
What context can I use the in?
Example
John and Sarah are always hanging out together. Birds of a feather flock together.
Example
I noticed that all the artists at the gallery have similar styles. Birds of a feather flock together.
Example
The group of friends all love hiking and camping. Birds of a feather flock together
Is “Birds of a feather flock together” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Birds of a feather flock together” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Birds of a feather flock together” effectively in context?
You can use "Birds of a feather flock together" to express the idea that people who have similar interests, characteristics, or beliefs tend to associate with each other. It implies that like-minded individuals naturally gravitate towards one another. Here are three distinct situations where you can use this proverb:
- 1Friendship
It's no surprise that they became best friends. Birds of a feather flock together. They have so much in common.
- 2Social Groups
In high school, the jocks and cheerleaders always hung out together. Birds of a feather flock together.
- 3Success
They say that successful people surround themselves with other successful people. Birds of a feather flock together.
Similar phrases to “Birds of a feather flock together”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Birds of a feather flock together” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Birds of a feather flock together" can be traced back to ancient Greek and Latin literature. The earliest known use of a similar phrase was by the Greek writer Democritus, who said, 'Birds of the same kind are often seen to flock and fly together.' The idea behind the proverb is that birds of the same species tend to gather and fly in groups.
Is “Birds of a feather flock together” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Birds of a feather flock together" is a commonly used proverb in everyday conversation. People often use it to explain why individuals with similar interests or characteristics tend to form social groups or associations.
What tone does “Birds of a feather flock together” have?
"Birds of a feather flock together" conveys a neutral tone. It is a descriptive proverb that states a general observation about human behavior.
Can “Birds of a feather flock together” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Birds of a feather flock together" is considered informal and can be used in casual conversations among friends, family, and colleagues. It may not be appropriate for more formal settings such as academic or professional writing.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
The proverb is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'They instantly connected because, as they say, birds of a feather flock together.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Birds of a feather!' to imply that people with similar interests tend to stick together.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- similar people stick together
- kindred spirits find each other
- people of a feather flock together
- those alike find each other
Antonyms
- opposites attract
- variety is the spice of life
- diversity brings people together
- contrasting personalities complement each other
