Birds of a Feather

The idiom "birds of a feather" means that individuals of similar interests or characteristics often associate with each other, suggesting the human tendency to feel more comfortable with those who share similar traits or interests.

Birds of a Feather: Meaning and Definitions

  • “Birds of a feather” is part of a longer idiom, “birds of a feather flock together,” which means that individuals of similar interests or types tend to associate with each other.
  • It often implies that people are attracted to others who are like themselves.
  • This phrase is used to explain the phenomenon of like-minded people sticking together.
  • It might suggest that shared characteristics or interests are a strong attraction factor in human relationships.
  • Furthermore, it denotes that people often feel more comfortable and understood in the company of those who share similar backgrounds, views, or lifestyles.

Birds of a Feather Synonyms

  1. Like attracts like
  2. Kindred spirits
  3. Similar people stick together

Example Sentences

  • The group of artists were truly birds of a feather, sharing ideas and supporting each other’s work.
  • They’ve been best friends since high school; they’re birds of a feather.
  • In this elite club, it’s definitely birds of a feather; they all come from similar wealthy backgrounds.
  • As they say, birds of a feather; all the members of the band had a deep passion for rock music.
  • The two poets quickly became friends, being birds of a feather.

The Origins and Etymology of Birds of a Feather

The phrase “birds of a feather” originates from the 16th century.

The full phrase is “birds of a feather flock together” and is attributed to Robert Burton’s ‘The Anatomy of Melancholy’ (1621).

The phrase means that people who are similar in nature, background, or beliefs will often stick together.

You can read more about it on Wiktionary.

douglas heingartner editor saywhatyo!
Douglas Heingartner

Douglas Heingartner, the editor of SayWhatYo!, is a journalist based in Amsterdam. He has written about science, technology, and more for publications including The New York Times, The Economist, Wired, the BBC, The Washington Post, New Scientist, The Associated Press, IEEE Spectrum, Quartz, The Village Voice, The Los Angeles Times, Frieze, and others. His Google Scholar profile is here, his LinkedIn profile is here, and his Muck Rack profile is here.