English Reference
Idiom idiom

bird in the bosom


A secret pledge that one makes for another.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

He kept his bird in the bosom until the right moment.

CONTEXTUAL

She shared a bird in the bosom with her sister, promising to protect the family secret at all costs.

COMPLEX

Bound by a solemn bird in the bosom, he refused to betray his companion even when the authorities offered him a full pardon.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    a little bird told me

    I received the information from a source which I am not prepared to disclose.

  2. 02

    bird of ill omen

    A person who brings bad news.

  3. 03

    bird of one's own brain

    One's own idea or conception.

  4. 04

    birds and bees

    Informal education about sex.

  5. 05

    birds of a feather

    People having similar characters, backgrounds, interests, or beliefs.

  6. 06

    birds of a feather flock together

    People of similar character, background or taste tend to congregate or associate with one another; it is easier to establish friendships with people that one has a lot in common with.

  7. 07

    charm the birds from the trees

    To behave in a very charming manner.

  8. 08

    early bird

    A person who wakes early or arrives early, typically before most others.

Last updated August 10, 2026