26 Children and Babies Idioms in English

We often convey complex ideas and emotions about children and babies through idioms. These phrases are woven into our everyday language and reveal cultural attitudes and values towards the youngest members of our society. By using idioms, we can express the joy, challenges, and unique experiences that come with raising and caring for children.

Children and Babies Idioms

Children and Babies Idioms
Children and Babies Idioms – Created by 7ESL
  • (Having a) Bun in the Oven
  • A new lease on life
  • Ankle-biter
  • As easy as ABC
  • At the drop of a hat
  • Babe In Arms
  • Babe In The Woods
  • Baby boomer
  • Baby steps
  • Barefoot and pregnant
  • Born on the wrong side of the blanket
  • Born yesterday
  • Boys will be boys
  • Child’s Play
  • Chip off the Old Block
  • Cry over spilled milk
  • Kids’ stuff
  • Knee-high to a grasshopper
  • Like a kid in a candy store
  • Like taking candy from a baby
  • Out of the mouths of babes
  • Packed like sardines
  • Sleep like a baby
  • Small fry
  • Throw the baby out with the bath water
  • Wet Behind the Ears

Children and Babies Idioms with Meaning

Here is a list of Children and Babies Idioms with Meaning:

Idiom Meaning
(Having a) Bun in the Oven Pregnant.
A new lease on life A chance to start over, a renewed or more vigorous outlook on life.
Ankle-biter A small child, especially one that is playful or mischievous.
As easy as ABC Very easy, straightforward.
At the drop of a hat Immediately, without hesitation or delay.
Babe In Arms A young child being carried, typically one that cannot walk yet.
Babe In The Woods A person who is naive or inexperienced, especially in a new and unfamiliar environment.
Baby boomer A person born during the post-World War II baby boom between 1946 and 1964.
Baby steps Small, gradual steps or progress.
Barefoot and pregnant A stereotype of women being confined to the home and family care, often considered outdated.
Born on the wrong side of the blanket Born to parents who are not married to each other; born out of wedlock.
Born yesterday Extremely naive or gullible.
Boys will be boys A phrase used to express the view that mischievous or childish behavior is typical of boys or men.
Child’s Play Something very easy or simple to do.
Chip off the Old Block A person who resembles a parent in appearance or behavior.
Cry over spilled milk To be upset about something that has already happened and cannot be changed.
Kids’ stuff Something that is very easy or is considered suitable for children.
Knee-high to a grasshopper Very small or young.
Like a kid in a candy store To be very excited and enthusiastic about the selection of things available.
Like taking candy from a baby Something that is very easy to do, typically involving taking something from someone weaker.
Out of the mouths of babes When children unexpectedly say something very wise or insightful.
Packed like sardines Crowded very tightly together.
Sleep like a baby To sleep very soundly and peacefully.
Small fry Someone or something that is relatively unimportant or lacks influence.
Throw the baby out with the bathwater To discard something valuable or important while getting rid of something considered unnecessary.
Wet Behind the Ears Inexperienced or new to a particular situation.

Children and Babies Idioms with Examples

Here are some example sentences of Children and Babies Idioms:

Idiom Example Sentence
(Having a) Bun in the Oven My sister has a bun in the oven and the baby is due this fall.
A new lease on life After surviving the illness, he felt he had a new lease on life.
Ankle-biter I can’t believe how fast my little ankle-biter is growing up!
As easy as ABC She found learning the new software as easy as ABC.
At the drop of a hat He’s always ready to go fishing at the drop of a hat.
Babe In Arms During the flight, I sat next to a mother with a babe in arms.
Babe In The Woods Moving to a big city, she felt like a babe in the woods.
Baby boomer My parents are baby boomers and often talk about the 60s as their defining era.
Baby steps When starting a new habit, it’s important to take baby steps to ensure success.
Barefoot and pregnant The old-fashioned stereotype was that women should stay barefoot and pregnant.
Born on the wrong side of the blanket He was born on the wrong side of the blanket but rose to great prominence.
Born yesterday You can’t fool me with that trick, I wasn’t born yesterday!
Boys will be boys They tracked mud all through the house, but boys will be boys.
Child’s Play For a seasoned chef, making a perfect omelet is child’s play.
Chip off the Old Block He’s a chip off the old block, just as stubborn as his father.
Cry over spilled milk There’s no use crying over spilled milk, let’s just clean it up and move on.
Kids’ stuff The math problems were kids’ stuff for the young prodigy.
Knee-high to a grasshopper I’ve known you since you were knee-high to a grasshopper!
Like taking candy from a baby Winning the debate against the inexperienced speaker was like taking candy from a baby.
Out of the mouths of babes Out of the mouths of babes often come truths that adults fail to see.
Packed like sardines We were packed like sardines on the bus during rush hour.
Sleep like a baby After the long hike, I slept like a baby throughout the night.
Small fry The police are not interested in catching the small fry; they’re after the big fish.
Throw the baby out with the bathwater Let’s not throw the baby out with the bathwater by dismissing the entire idea due to a few flaws.
Wet Behind the Ears He may be wet behind the ears, but he’s enthusiastic and learns quickly.

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