# blood is thicker than water

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/blood-is-thicker-than-water
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Family relations and loyalties are stronger than relationships with people who are not family members.

## Examples

- He always helps his brother because blood is thicker than water.
- Even though they have their disagreements, she supports her sister because blood is thicker than water.
- Despite the intense pressure from his business partners to betray his cousin, he refused, firmly believing that blood is thicker than water.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.