English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Black sheep
Meaning
The idiom "black sheep" refers to someone who is different from others in a group or family, often in a negative way. This can mean that they are misbehaved, rebellious, or do not fit in with the norms of their community. The term comes from the idea that black sheep were seen as an outcast and treated differently from other animals on a farm.
Usage
- "My brother is always the black sheep of our family - he's always getting into trouble and causing chaos."
- "I don't understand why she's always so argumentative - she's like the black sheep of our group."
- "The new employee is like the black sheep in the office - everyone else seems to be doing well but they struggle to keep up."
- "She's the black sheep of her family - always pushing boundaries and challenging authority."
- "As a black sheep myself, I understand how it feels to be on the outside looking in."
Roots and History
The origin of the idiom can be traced back to medieval times when black sheep were seen as different from other animals on a farm. They were often treated differently and were not allowed to graze alongside other sheep, which made them stand out. Over time, the term "black sheep" came to be used metaphorically to refer to someone who was different or misbehaved in a group. The idiom has remained popular in contemporary language, with variations on its meaning emerging over time.
Synonyms in English
- Outcast
- Rebel
- Miscreant
- Deviant
- Nonconformist
Synonyms in other languages
- French: Le non-conformiste (The Nonconformist)
- Spanish: El rebelde (The Rebel)
- German: Der Außergewöhnliche (The Exceptional One)
- Italian: Il fuorilegge (The Outlaw)
- Portuguese: O desleal (The Dishonest One)