English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Joined at the hip
Meaning
The idiom "joined at the hip" is a metaphor that means two or more people are very close to each other, both physically and emotionally. It suggests that they have a strong bond that is difficult to break.
Usage
- The siblings were joined at the hip since childhood, always sticking together wherever they went.
- The couple was joined at the hip, never apart for more than a moment during their honeymoon.
- The friends were joined at the hip after meeting in college and starting their first job together.
- The co-workers were joined at the hip, working closely together on a project that required constant communication.
- The family was joined at the hip, spending all their free time together on outings and activities.
Roots and History
The idiom originated in the early 20th century and is believed to have been inspired by the physical closeness of twins or conjoined triplets. It became popular in the 1930s when it was used in a poem by Violet Jessop, a British writer who had grown up with conjoined twins. Over time, the idiom has come to be used more broadly to describe any strong bond between people.
Synonyms in English
- Inseparable
- Attached at the hip
- Tight as two peas in a pod
- Joined at the elbow
- Thick as thieves
Synonyms in other languages
- Encore le temps (French) - This French phrase means "to relive a moment" and is used to describe a time when two people were so close that they seemed to be living in the past.
- 逐逸的情滉 (Chinese) - This Chinese idiom translates to "drifting away" and is used to describe a situation where two people are drifting apart emotionally.
- השונים חסדים (Hebrew) - This Hebrew phrase translates to "holy years" and is used to describe a period of time when two people were very close and had a strong bond.
- לבתא צהרת (Hebrew) - This Hebrew phrase translates to "sacred evening" and is used to describe a time when two people shared a special moment together.
- נולל כשוןים (Hebrew) - This Hebrew phrase translates to "holy years of sharing" and is used to describe a period of time when two people were very close and had a strong bond.