You’ve probably heard the phrase “birds of a feather flock together” and wondered what it really meant. If so, you’re in the right place. I’ll break down all the info, explain the meaning behind the phrase and its apparent origin, and give you a few sentence examples.
Birds of a Feather Flock Together Meaning
It means basically what you think it would, even when you look at it literally. People with similar interests, values, or even personalities tend to relate and band together, just as birds of the same feather would.
For example, I’m a content writer but also a published author. I’m also a mega introvert, so my circle of people in my life is pretty small until I go to author events. When I’m around my “people,” we group together, plan things, have fun, share ideas, etc. Because most authors, especially within the same genre, are birds of the same feather in a sense.
Another example would be how sports fans are more likely to spend time with other sports fans, and book lovers are more likely to socialize with other book lovers.
Origin of the Phrase Birds of Feather Flock Together
You can trace the origin of the phrase back to the 16th century when it was used in a poem by William Turner in 1545 as “Byrdes of on kynde and color flok and flye allwayes together.”
Alternatives to the Phrase Birds of Feather Flock Together
Instead of “birds of a feather flock together,” try one of these phrases that mean pretty much the same thing.
- You are the company you keep.
- Like attracts like.
- Blood calls to blood.
- Bobbsey twins
- Two peas in a pod
- Painted with the same brush
- Great minds think alike.
Is Birds of Feather Flock Together a Proverb?
You bet! “Birds of a feather flock together” is considered a proverb by most of the world. It’s a short, pithy saying that expresses a universal truth or multi-faceted piece of wisdom.
We use proverbs as a way to convey important moral or practical lessons that are usually passed down from generation to generation. It’s also a popular idiom.
Using Birds of Feather Flock Together in a Sentence
- As a musician, I tend to hang out with other musicians. Birds of the same feather color flock together, I suppose.
- My daughter is exactly like me in so many ways, from her tastes in rock music to her penchant for writing. Birds of a feather flock together!
- After moving to a new city, I found a group of friends who share my love of writing and reading books. Birds of a feather totally flock together!
- It’s not surprising that the tech nerds all sit together at lunch, just like book nerds and jocks. Birds of a feather flock together is a saying for a reason, after all.
- My mother always used to warn me to be careful about who I spend my time with. She would say, “Remember, birds of a feather flock together.”
What Birds Have Your Feathers?
So, there you have it! Now you should have a better understanding of the proverb birds of the same feather stick together. You’ll find varying ways to word it, but it all means the same thing in the end.