Sisters have been at the heart of many idioms and expressions throughout history, often symbolizing a deep connection, loyalty, and complex relationships. Whether biological or metaphorical, these idioms reflect the nuances of sisterhood in a way that resonates across cultures and societies. In this article, we will delve into some popular idioms about sisters, exploring their meanings, usage, and the emotional undertones they carry.
9 Idioms About Sisters For Students
1. Be (All) Brothers/Sisters Under the Skin
One of the most widely recognized idioms is “to be brothers/sisters under the skin.” This phrase refers to individuals who share similar feelings, emotions, or thoughts, despite any external differences they might have. It suggests a deeper connection between two people that transcends surface-level disagreements or conflicts.
Meaning:
To say two people are “brothers/sisters under the skin” means they have an inherent connection and share similar traits or vulnerabilities, even if their behaviors or appearances suggest otherwise. This expression emphasizes the idea of shared humanity and emotional resonance, often used when two people who initially seem opposites find common ground.
Example:
“Even though they argue all the time, I know they are really sisters under the skin.”
“At first, I thought we had nothing in common, but we’re really brothers under the skin.”
This idiom can be applied in various contexts, including friendships, work relationships, or even in professional settings like actors and politicians who may seem outwardly different but share the same desires for public approval.
2. Blood Sister
The term “blood sister” refers to a woman who has sworn an unbreakable bond of loyalty to another, despite not being related by blood. This bond is symbolic and often conveys a deep sense of connection and shared experiences. It is commonly used to describe a close friendship where the individuals treat each other like family, underscoring a sense of loyalty that is as strong as any biological relationship.
Meaning:
A “blood sister” is someone with whom you share an exceptionally strong, loyal connection. This phrase is not limited to familial ties but is used for friends who have created a bond that feels just as significant as that of biological sisters.
Example:
“Sally and Rita are blood sisters; they’ve been inseparable since childhood.”
“Despite the challenges we’ve faced, she’s my blood sister, and I’ll always stand by her.”
This idiom reflects the power of friendship and how bonds formed outside of family can be just as profound, demonstrating the importance of emotional connections and loyalty in human relationships.
3. If My Sister Had Balls, She’d Be My Brother
This expression is a bit more colloquial and somewhat vulgar, used to highlight skepticism or cynicism regarding someone’s hypothetical statement. It is often used to dismiss a suggestion or hypothetical situation with humor, suggesting that the situation is as unlikely as a woman having male physical traits.
Meaning:
The phrase implies that a situation or hypothetical scenario is impossible or highly improbable. It uses the absurdity of imagining a sister having “balls” (a male attribute) as a way to emphasize how unrealistic or far-fetched the suggestion is.
Example:
A: “If you tried harder, you’d get the promotion.”
B: “Yeah, well, if my sister had balls, she’d be my brother, so thanks for the suggestion.”
This idiom, although somewhat crude, illustrates how humor is often used to deflect serious topics or offer a sarcastic response to someone’s advice or comment.
4. Older Sister
The idiom “older sister” is straightforward in its definition but carries a deeper meaning in certain contexts. An “older sister” refers to a female who is older than one or more of her siblings. Often, the role of the older sister is associated with being a protector, guide, or mentor.
Meaning:
An “older sister” is typically seen as the one who takes on a more mature role in the family, offering advice, guidance, and support to younger siblings. The relationship between an older sister and her siblings is often characterized by nurturing, leadership, and a sense of responsibility.
Example:
“I’ll ask my older sister to help us move.”
“My older sister always looks out for me.”
This expression conveys the idea of maturity and responsibility within family dynamics, with the older sister often being the one who sets an example and helps the younger ones navigate life.
5. Sisters Before Misters
A popular and empowering expression, “sisters before misters” emphasizes the value of female friendships over romantic relationships. It’s a reminder to prioritize the bond between women, especially in situations where a new romantic interest might threaten the closeness of existing friendships.
Meaning:
The phrase “sisters before misters” highlights the importance of maintaining strong, supportive friendships with other women, even when a romantic relationship might come into the picture. It suggests that true friendship and loyalty among women should always come first.
Example:
“Come on, don’t ditch us for that guy you just met. Sisters before misters!”
“We’ve been friends for years, and I’ll always choose our sisterhood over anything else.”
This idiom empowers women to support one another and reminds them that the bonds they share with their female friends are valuable and deserving of prioritization.
6. Sob Sister
The term “sob sister” originates from the world of journalism but has evolved in its usage over time. Traditionally, a “sob sister” referred to a writer or journalist who would pen emotionally charged, often sentimental stories aimed at pulling at the heartstrings of readers. Today, the term is used more broadly to describe someone who is overly emotional or prone to excessive complaining, whether in writing or conversation.
Meaning:
A “sob sister” is someone who either writes emotionally intense stories or behaves in an overly dramatic, emotional way. The term can also be used in a more pejorative sense to describe someone who is perceived as weak or overly sensitive in their emotional expressions.
Example:
“She’s been writing for the charity newsletter as a sob sister, sharing the most heart-wrenching stories of the year.”
“I can’t stand the constant drama; she’s such a sob sister!”
This idiom, while often used to describe journalists or writers who specialize in sad or emotional content, can also be used in a broader context to refer to anyone who tends to express emotions in an exaggerated or overly dramatic manner.
7. Soul Sister
The expression “soul sister” has gained prominence in modern usage, particularly in social circles where deep, almost spiritual connections are valued. A “soul sister” is someone with whom one shares a profound emotional connection, often to the point of feeling as if they were destined to meet or naturally complement each other’s personalities.
Meaning:
A “soul sister” is someone with whom you share an intense, often unspoken emotional connection. This relationship is characterized by a deep bond that transcends surface-level friendship, offering a sense of understanding and empathy.
Example:
“Janet has always been my soul sister; we’ve been through so much together.”
“When I first met Sarah, it was like we were meant to meet. She’s my soul sister, and I’ll always cherish our bond.”
This idiom emphasizes the power of deep emotional connections between people, often found in long-lasting friendships or sisterly relationships where the understanding between individuals feels almost destined.
8. Weak Sister
The “weak sister” idiom refers to someone who is considered weak, ineffective, or unreliable within a group or team. This person may be physically or emotionally fragile, or simply not up to the demands of the situation. Often, the term is used in a critical or disparaging way.
Meaning:
A “weak sister” is a person who fails to contribute effectively to a group, whether due to lack of strength, willpower, or capability. It can be used to describe someone who is seen as a liability within a team or situation.
Example:
“I can’t believe we have to depend on him; he’s the weak sister of the team.”
“If we don’t get our act together, we’ll be the weak sisters in this project.”
This idiom is commonly used in a competitive context, where the weakness of one individual is seen as detrimental to the overall success of a group or effort. It underscores the need for everyone to pull their weight and contribute to the collective goal.
9. Younger Sister
A “younger sister” is simply someone who is younger than one or more of their siblings, but the idiom holds significance beyond just age. The relationship between an older and younger sister can often be marked by a sense of care, mentorship, and sometimes rivalry.
Meaning:
A “younger sister” is a sibling who is younger than the others. Often, this term can carry a sense of protectiveness or a more playful, less mature dynamic between the siblings.
Example:
“I love spending time with my younger sister; she always knows how to make me laugh.”
“Bella is my younger sister, and we’ve been close ever since childhood.”
This expression highlights the family dynamic between siblings, where the younger sister might look up to her older siblings or serve as a source of energy and joy in the family unit.