“Birds of A Feather Flock Together” Meaning, Origin and Examples

If you have ever heard the saying ‘birds of a feather flock together’ you may have asked yourself what it means or perhaps where it has come from. In this reference, we are going to look at the origins of this phrase and how we can use it in our daily conversations. You will discover various examples of the phrase in use and explore other ways to say it.

“Birds of a Feather Flock Together” Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The phrase “birds of a feather flock together” means that people who have similar interests, personalities, or values tend to associate with one another. It suggests that like-minded individuals naturally form groups or friendships.
Birds Of A Feather Flock Together
Birds of a Feather Flock Together – Created by 7ESL

Birds of a Feather Flock Together Meaning

The phrase “birds of a feather flock together” means that people with similar interests, characteristics, or behaviors tend to associate with one another. It suggests that individuals are naturally drawn to those who share their values, beliefs, or lifestyle choices.

Examples:

  • “You can see that they get along so well; after all, birds of a feather flock together.”
  • “People who enjoy the same hobbies often form friendships because birds of a feather flock together.”

Origin of This Idiom

The beginnings of this term go back hundreds of years and can be dated back to the 1500s when the saying was first written by a man named William Turner in a piece called The rescuing of the Romish fox where he wrote the words Byrdes of on kynde and color flok and flye allwayes together which has evolved into the phrase we know today.

Usage of “Birds of a Feather Flock Together”

  • Talking about friendships:

“They both love hiking and outdoor adventures, so it’s no surprise they’re best friends. Birds of a feather flock together.”

  • In a workplace setting:

“All the creative thinkers in the office tend to work on projects together—birds of a feather flock together.”

  • Describing a group with similar interests:

“You always see those tech enthusiasts hanging out together. I guess it’s true that birds of a feather flock together.”

  • Commenting on shared behaviors:

“They both have the same laid-back attitude and sense of humor. Birds of a feather flock together, for sure.”

Related Terms to “Birds of a Feather Flock Together”

  • Like attracts like – the idea that similar people are drawn to one another.
  • Similar souls – individuals who share common interests or characteristics.
  • Kindred spirits – people who share similar beliefs, values, or feelings, leading to a close bond.
  • Peas in a pod – people who are very similar or have a close relationship.
  • Great minds think alike – often said when two or more people have the same idea or thought.
  • Aff birds of a feather – a variation that emphasizes the similarity in interests or behaviors.
  • Common ground – shared interests or characteristics that bring people together.
  • In good company – being with others who share similar traits or behaviors.
  • Social circles – groups of people who share similar interests or backgrounds.
  • Tribes – groups of people with shared interests, values, or cultural identity.

Other Ways to Say the Phrase

There is more than one way to express the meaning of the phrase ‘birds of a feather flock together.’ Some of those could be;

  • As alike as two peas in a pod
  • The same kind always gather together
  • Have the same interests
  • People of same interests
  • Similar

“Birds of a Feather Flock Together” Examples

You could use this phrase when talking about a group of people who always can be found together, the term is especially apt when those people share some sort of common ground. You might say something along the lines of: ‘Barry and Iris are always together, they both love horse racing, it just shows that birds of a feather flock together.’

Example Sentences

  • Birds of a feather flock together, people of a mind fall into the same group.
  • I’m not surprised these two are such friends; they are birds of a feather flock together.
  • Don’t be friends with bad boys. People think that birds of a feather flock together.

Conversation Examples

You might hear this term used in many conversations, some of those conversations might be similar to the following examples.

Conversation 1:

  • Person 1: “I would love to get to know Patricia better but she is always with that same group of people and doesn’t seem to want to talk to anyone else.”
  • Person 2: “It’s because Patricia is from Australia and so are all of those people she is with.”
  • Person 1: “Ah yes, well birds of a feather flock together.

Conversation 2:

  • Person 1: “Daniel and I have joined a club where we feel like we really fit in.”
  • Person 2: “What is the club for?”
  • Person 1: “Its for flying enthusiasts, we spend time with the other members even outside of club meetings.”
  • Person 2: “That’s because birds of a feather flock together.”
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