10 Helpful Idioms For Mother

English Idioms for Mother, expressions, and proverbs are an important part of the English language, both spoken and written English are filled with them.

For English Language Students idioms are frustrating to make head or tail of, the reason being Idioms don’t make literal sense.

To learn the meanings and usage of idioms for Mother, students studying English must practice and familiarize themselves with their everyday usage.

The team at Lillypad understands the pain and difficulties English Learners bump into comprehending the true meaning and right usage. This idioms list of Mother makes learning easy as ABC, with common Mother idioms, definitions, and example sentences which make the meaning clear.

Learning to use common idioms and expressions will make your English sound more native, so it’s a good idea to master some of these expressions with daily practice, so bookmark this page or share it with your friends; now let us learn about idioms for Mother together.

Idioms for Mother with Meanings, Definitions & Example Sentences

1. At (Someone’s) Mother’s Knee

Definition and Meaning: At (Someone’s) Mother’s Knee

This expression said describes something that was learned at home or when someone was a child.

At (Someone’s) Mother’s Knee Example Sentences:

• She learned cross-stitching at her mother’s knee.
• Home remedies are usually learned at your mother’s knee.
• Most people learn it at their mother’s knee, but I learned it late in life.
• It’s something you learn at your mother’s knee; I can’t believe you don’t know that.

2. Expectant Mother

Definition and Meaning: Expectant Mother

The expression refers to a pregnant woman.

Expectant Mother Example Sentences:

• All expectant mothers should read this book.
• Expectant mothers should continue pre-pregnancy activities as long as they’re comfortable.
• There’s a group of expectant mothers who discuss their journey online.
• Is there any advice you can give to all expectant mothers out there?
• She’s an expectant mother, hence the mood swings.

3. Experience Is The Mother Of Wisdom

Definition and Meaning: Experience Is The Mother Of Wisdom

This expression means that people learn to be wise by learning from things that happen to them.

Experience Is The Mother Of Wisdom Example Sentences:

• She’s not going to believe anything at face value. Experience is the mother of wisdom.
• See, experience is the mother of wisdom, so we don’t open our doors to anyone anymore.
• I don’t think you can really understand the hardships of parents unless you become one yourself. After all, experience is the mother of wisdom.
• Barry carefully sips his coffee. Experience is the mother of wisdom. He burned his tongue when he was younger.
• Experience is the mother of wisdom. Last year, Hayley was almost robbed. Now she locks her car the moment she gets in.

4. A Mother Hen

Definition and Meaning: A Mother Hen

The expression means a woman who’s very protective of her loved ones and very caring about them just like a mother.

A Mother Hen Example Sentences:

• Cecilia is our mother hen. She’s always assumed that role since high school.
• Everyone sees Britney as a mother hen, but behind closed doors, it’s not quite true.
• We never go out without Paloma, our mother hen.
• Ting Ting likes to act like a mother hen, but her advice is often ill-conceived and unwise.
• If you want to court a girl who belongs to a strong group of friends, get along with the mother hen first.

5. Bring Home The Bacon

Definition and Meaning: Bring Home The Bacon

This expression means to work hard to earn enough to support the family.

Bring Home The Bacon Example Sentences:

• Someone has the bring home the bacon. As the eldest, that falls to me now.
• You need to make sure you can bring home the bacon before even thinking about marriage.
• Nina has been bringing home the bacon since her husband was paralyzed.
• How do you expect to raise your kids without a job? You need to bring home the bacon.

6. There’s No Such Thing As A Free Lunch

Definition and Meaning: There’s No Such Thing As A Free Lunch

The expression “There’s no such thing as a free lunch” means that you can’t get something for nothing.

There’s No Such Thing As A Free Lunch Example Sentences:

• If you want to get ahead in life, you have to work hard – there’s no such thing as a free lunch!
• I’m sorry, but I can’t give you a free ride – there’s no such thing as a free lunch!
• Don’t expect to get something for nothing – there’s no such thing as a free lunch!
• If you want to get the best deal, you have to be willing to negotiate – there’s no such thing as a free lunch!
• If you want to get the best results, you have to put in the effort – there’s no such thing as a free lunch!

7. Catch More Flies With Honey Than With Vinegar

Definition and Meaning: Catch More Flies With Honey Than With Vinegar

This expression means that it is better to be kind and polite to people if you want them to help you, rather than being rude and aggressive.

Catch More Flies With Honey Than With Vinegar Example Sentences:

• When trying to convince your boss to give you a raise, it’s better to use a polite and respectful approach rather than an aggressive one – you’ll catch more flies with honey than with vinegar
• If you want your children to listen to you, try using positive reinforcement rather than punishment – you’ll catch more flies with honey than with vinegar
• If you’re trying to get your neighbor to agree to a compromise, it’s better to be friendly and understanding rather than confrontational – you’ll catch more flies with honey than with vinegar
• If you’re trying to get a customer to buy your product, it’s better to use a persuasive and friendly approach rather than a hard-sell one – you’ll catch more flies with honey than with vinegar
• If you’re trying to get someone to do you a favor, it’s better to be polite and appreciative rather than demanding – you’ll catch more flies with honey than with vinegar

8. A Tiger Mother

Definition and Meaning: A Tiger Mother

The expression “a tiger mother” refers to a mother who is very strict towards and demanding of her children. Often used to call Asian mothers who are very particular about their children’s academic performance.

A Tiger Mother Example Sentences:

• I grew up with a tiger mom, so I know passive aggression like the back of my hand.
• Mothers from East Asian countries are often called tiger moms.
• His mom requires a lot from him so he’s under so much pressure.
• You hated your tiger mom. Why are you doing the same thing to your kids?
• Prove to your tiger mom that you can stand on your own feet.

9. Keep Mum

Definition and Meaning: Keep Mum

The expression “keep mum” means to keep something a secret or to stop talking about something.

Keep Mum Example Sentences:

• Hey. Keep mum about the birthday surprise when Kiri is around, all right?
• You should be watchful because Leah isn’t exactly someone who can keep mum about anything.
• Keep mum about this until we have confirmed the variables.
• I’m not sure how we are able to keep mum about this. A lot of people know about it.

10. A Penny Saved Is A Penny Earned

Definition and Meaning: A Penny Saved Is A Penny Earned

The expression “A penny saved is a penny earned” means that if you save money, it is the same as if you had earned that money.

A Penny Saved Is A Penny Earned Example Sentences:

• I’m trying to save money for a new car, so I’m cutting back on my daily coffee runs A penny saved is a penny earned!
• I’m investing in a retirement fund to ensure I have a comfortable future A penny saved is a penny earned!
• I’m using coupons and shopping sales to save money on groceries A penny saved is a penny earned!
• I’m setting aside a portion of my paycheck each month to save for a vacation A penny saved is a penny earned!
• I’m taking advantage of my employer’s 401(k) matching program A penny saved is a penny earned!

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