ENGLISH
REFERENCE

birds of a feather flock together

idiom
B2
Meaning

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.


Origin

first recorded 16th c.

Attested in English from the mid-16th century (William Turner, 1545); the observation that birds of one species fly in flocks goes back to antiquity.

Examples
SIMPLE

They are both artists, and birds of a feather flock together.

CONTEXTUAL

You will notice that all the chess players sit at the same table; birds of a feather flock together.

COMPLEX

In the quiet corners of the university library, the researchers gathered, proving once again that birds of a feather flock together.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    band together

    to unite, to come together

  2. 02

    bang some heads together

    Attempt to get results from a previously ineffectual or argumentative group, typically by coercion or force.

  3. 03

    birds and bees

    Informal education about sex.

  4. 04

    birds of a feather

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

  5. 05

    bring together

    To cause people to do something together; to bring about togetherness.

  6. 06

    charm the birds from the trees

    To behave in a very charming manner.

  7. 07

    feather in one's cap

    An accomplishment; particularly one that is flaunted or boasted of.

  8. 08

    feather one's nest

    To achieve benefits, especially financial ones, by taking advantage of the opportunities with which one is presented; to amass a comfortable amount of personal wealth; especially, to do so to a degree that involves venality.

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