English Reference
Idiom idiom

birds and bees


Informal education about sex.

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


SIMPLE

My parents finally told me about the birds and the bees.

CONTEXTUAL

When the children started asking questions about where babies come from, their father decided it was time to explain the birds and the bees.

COMPLEX

The school board debated whether parents or teachers should bear the responsibility of explaining the birds and the bees to young students.


Derived from analogies of pollination and egglaying for sexual intercourse and ovulation respectively.


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

    bee in one's bonnet

    Something of particular interest or concern; an obsession.

  3. 03

    bird in the bosom

    A secret pledge that one makes for another.

  4. 04

    bird of ill omen

    A person who brings bad news.

  5. 05

    bird of one's own brain

    One's own idea or conception.

  6. 06

    birds of a feather

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

  7. 07

    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.

  8. 08

    busy as a bee

    Very active; working constantly.

Last updated August 10, 2026