“Blood Is Thicker Than Water” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 8, 2024 by Liam Daniel

’Blood is thicker than water’ is a familiar saying you might have heard before. This reference discusses its meaning and how it can be used in conversations. You’ll find sections exploring the meaning of the phrase, examples of how it’s used, and other ways to express the same idea. Understanding such sayings can enhance your grasp of language and improve communication skills.

Blood Is Thicker Than Water Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The meaning of this saying is that family will win over everything. Family being the ‘blood’ and in the saying the blood is thicker than the water meaning that it has more power. In reality, most of us would choose our family over anything else.
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Blood Is Thicker Than Water Meaning

The phrase “blood is thicker than water” means that family bonds are stronger and more important than relationships with friends or others outside the family. It emphasizes the loyalty, commitment, and connection shared among family members, suggesting that in times of need, people are more likely to stand by their family than others.

Origin of this Term

This idiom goes a long way back in time and was first written in the year 1180 by a German man called Heinrich der Glîchezære in his book Renyard Fuchs.

Usage of Blood Is Thicker Than Water

Here are some examples of how this phrase can be used:

  1. In a family disagreement:
    “We may have our differences, but in the end, blood is thicker than water, and we’ll always stick together.”
  2. Expressing family loyalty:
    “Even though my brother and I argue sometimes, I’ll always be there for him because blood is thicker than water.”
  3. In a conversation about family support:
    “When I lost my job, it was my cousins who helped me out. Blood is thicker than water, after all.”
  4. In making a difficult decision:
    “I know my friend needs help, but my sister comes first. Blood is thicker than water.”
  5. In a movie or book dialogue:
    “She chose her family over her friends, believing that blood is thicker than water.”

Related Terms to “Blood Is Thicker Than Water”

  • Family comes first – Emphasizes that family should be a priority over other obligations or relationships.
  • Kinship – Refers to the bond shared between family members or people considered to be close like family.
  • Family ties – Describes the emotional and relational bonds that hold family members together.
  • Home is where the heart is – Suggests that family and close relationships are the most important, no matter where you are.
  • A house divided cannot stand – Refers to the importance of family unity and sticking together, especially in difficult times.
  • Loyalty runs deep – Describes strong loyalty, often within families or close-knit groups.
  • Born into it – Refers to the unchangeable bond or loyalty one has to their family because of birth.
  • Close-knit family – Describes a family that is very supportive, united, and emotionally close.
  • Through thick and thin – Refers to standing by someone, often family, in good times and bad.
  • Roots run deep – Suggests a strong, lasting connection to one’s family or heritage.

Other Ways to Say the Phrase

There are other ways you might refer to the meaning behind the term ‘blood is thicker than water,’ Some of those ways could be as follows.

  • Family comes first
  • Those closest to you are the most important
  • Nearest and dearest before anything else

“Blood Is Thicker Than Water” Examples

This is a saying that you may use if you ever have to make a choice between your family and lets say, for example, a girlfriend or boyfriend. You might choose the family and say ‘blood is thicker than water.’ You might also use it when referring to a situation where a family has been put first, for example ‘Dylan isn’t coming fishing today, his brother is sick, and who can blame him, blood is thicker than water.’

Example Sentences

  • Families have their problems and jealousies, but blood is thicker than water.
  • I’d trust a relative over a friend: blood is thicker than water.
  • Mr. Jones hires relatives to work in his store. Blood is thicker than water.
  • Sure thing, sis. I always will be. Blood is thicker than water.
  • Blood is thicker than water, and Bill was part of the dynasty.

Conversation Examples

You may be wondering how you might integrate the term into your daily speech. Here are some examples of conversations where you might use the term ‘blood is thicker than water’:

Conversation 1:

  • Person 1: “I heard that Gary ended his relationship with Linda.”
  • Person 2: “Yes he did because she kept arguing with his sister.”
  • Person 1: “Ah well, blood is thicker than water.”

Conversation 2:

  • Person 1: “I am not going to Claire’s birthday party as my mom needs my help with a project.”
  • Person 2: “Of course, blood is thicker than water after all.”
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