- Home
- Idioms
- children
children
latchkey child
A school-age child who is unsupervised after school or in general, due to his or her parents being away for work. I know it makes me sound horrible, but I just don't want Tommy hanging out with those latchkey children from down the road. Being a latchkey child was tough at times, but it taught me the value of self-reliance at an earlier age than most.
Thatcher's children
A nickname for the generation of people who grew up with Margaret Thatcher as a major political figure in the UK. Primarily heard in UK. Because we are Thatcher's children, we are very familiar with her political leanings and accomplishments.
think of the children
Consider how a particular course of action will affect young people. The phrase is often used in a panicked way, to draw attention or support to a cause. Think of the children—if they don't have a park to play in, they will turn to unsavory activities instead. We need to band together to discourage drunk driving. Think of the children!
boomerang child
An adult child who has resumed living with their parents after previously moving out. I never planned to be a boomerang child—but then I got laid off.
Children and fools tell the truth.
Prov. Children have not yet learned, and fools never did learn, that it is often advantageous to lie. Fred: What will I tell Ellen when she asks why I'm so late getting home? Alan: Tell her the truth—we were out having a few drinks. Fred: Children and fools tell the truth, Alan.
children should be seen and not heard
Prov. Children should not speak in the presence of adults. (Often used as a way to rebuke a child who has spoken when he or she should not.) You may come out and meet the party guests if you'll remember that children should be seen and not heard.
devil's children have the devil's luck
Prov. Evil people often seem to have good luck. The police thought they had trapped the murderer, but he escaped. The devil's children have the devil's luck.
Heaven protects children(, sailors,) and drunken men.
Prov. Children(, sailors,) and drunk(ard)s often escape being injured in dangerous situations. (Often used to express amazement that a child, sailor, or drunk person has escaped injury.) Jill: Did you hear? A little girl fell out of a second-floor window in our apartment building. Jane: Was she killed? Jill: She wasn't even hurt. Jane: Heaven protects children, sailors, and drunken men. Mike was so drunk he shouldn't even have been conscious, but he managed to drive home without hurting himself or anyone else; heaven protects children and drunkards.
Children should be seen and not heard.
something that you say which means that children should be quiet I can't stand all that shouting. Children should be seen and not heard, in my opinion.