feathered friend: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘feathered friend’ mean?
The idiom "feathered friend" refers to a bird, usually kept as a pet or considered as a companion. It suggests that birds are loyal and trustworthy, emphasizing their presence as comforting and friendly creatures.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "knock someone down with a feather" means to greatly surprise or shock someone. The use of the feather emphasizes how unexpected or unbelievable the news or event is.
The idiom "king of birds" refers to the bird that is considered the most powerful, dominant, or superior among other birds.
The idiom "keep someone company" means to stay with or accompany someone in order to provide them with companionship or prevent them from feeling lonely.
The idiom "keep company" means to spend time with or be in the company of someone, usually in a social or friendly manner.
The idiom "keep a close watch" means to closely monitor or observe something or someone, usually with the goal of ensuring their safety, security, or well-being.
A person who is trustworthy, helpful, or reliable. They are considered to be a "good egg" because they are good-hearted and can be counted on.
The idiom "friends in low places" means having associations with people who have a low social or moral standing. These may be individuals who are not respected or accepted by society due to their behavior, reputation, or background.
The idiom "friends in high places" means to have influential or powerful connections, typically in positions of authority or privilege. It suggests that having such connections can help one achieve favorable outcomes or access certain advantages.
The idiom "for the birds" means something is worthless, unimportant, or not serious.
Uncovering Avian Companions
The idiom "feathered friend" is a commonly used phrase in the English language that refers to a bird. It is often used to describe a bird in a friendly or affectionate manner. While the origins of this idiom are unclear, it is believed to have originated in the late 19th or early 20th century, and is still widely used today.
The use of "feathered friend" goes beyond its literal meaning. It can also be used figuratively to describe a person who is loyal, reliable, or supportive. Just like birds of a feather flock together, a loyal and supportive friend is someone who can be counted on. This idiom highlights the importance of companionship and trust in relationships.
In addition to its figurative meaning, "feathered friend" can also be related to the idiom "bird in the bosom." This idiom refers to someone who is close to your heart, someone you hold dear. A feathered friend, whether a bird or a loyal person, can be seen as a "bird in the bosom" - a cherished and trusted companion.
Another idiom that can be related to "feathered friend" is "fine feathers make fine birds." This phrase emphasizes the importance of appearance and presentation. Just like birds with beautiful feathers are considered more attractive, a person who takes care of their appearance is often perceived more positively. A "fine feathered friend" can refer to someone who is not only loyal and supportive, but also presents themselves well.
While the idiom "feathered friend" is widely understood and used by native English speakers, it may be less familiar to those who are learning English as a second language. Nevertheless, its straightforward meaning and usage make it relatively easy to grasp for non-native speakers.
Overall, the idiom "feathered friend" is a simple and evocative way to refer to a bird, whether in a literal or figurative sense. Its origins may remain shrouded in mystery, but its enduring popularity and usage highlight the enduring fascination that humans have with these winged creatures.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "feathered friend" can be used in a sentence:
1. I love waking up to the sound of chirping birds outside my window, they are my feathered friends.
2. The little girl carried breadcrumbs in her hand, hoping to make some new feathered friends at the park.
3. The birdwatcher spent hours in the forest, looking through his binoculars to spot different species of feathered friends.
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