Birds of a Feather
Birds of a Feather
In the idiomatic phrase ‘Birds of a Feather’, the words are often used to connote that people with similar interests, values or lifestyles tend to flock together. A common version of this phrase is the idiom, “Birds of a feather flock together.”
What does ‘Birds of a Feather’ Mean?
The phrase “Birds of a feather” is used as a metaphor to describe people who have a lot in common. While the idiom often has a negative connotation, being used to describe people who are not open to new ideas or different types of people, the phrase can also be used in a positive way to describe how people with similar interests may come together to collaborate or form strong bonds.
Origin and Examples of the Phrase
The phrase has been traced back to the 15th century, although its exact origin is unknown. In modern usage, the phrase is typically used in the following way:
- Positively: “People who love hiking and camping often flock together — they must be birds of a feather.”
- Negatively: “People who all have similar viewpoints are birds of a feather — open-mindedness is hard to come by.”
Conclusion
The phrase “Birds of a feather” is a powerful metaphor that can be used to describe any situation where people with similar interests come together — positively or negatively. The phrase is often used to describe a situation in which two or more like-minded individuals come together and form a connection or bond. By understanding the phrase, it can often be used in both a positive and a negative sense.
