the black sheep of the family

the black sheep of the family is an idiom used by many writers. When idioms are used in the right place, they open the doors of effective communication and increase your descriptive power. In this way, you will be better understood. The meaning of the expression the black sheep of the family is also remarkable in this respect.

Meaning of "the black sheep of the family"

Meaning

The phrase 'the black sheep of the family' is an idiom which is used to refer to a person who is regarded as a disgrace to their family or community. It is a person who is seen as different from their relatives and who does not fit in socially or morally. They may be seen as an outcast or rebel, or they may just not conform to the norms that the rest of the family follows.

Etymology

The phrase 'black sheep of the family' has its origins in farming. Farmers used to segregate their flock of sheep into white and black breeds. The black sheep were regarded as being worth less than their white counterparts, and were seen as being unusable for breeding. As such, there was a sense of worthlessness associated with the black sheep, and this term eventually transferred to humans who were seen as being a disgrace to their families.

Usage

This phrase is used in a variety of contexts, from humorous to serious. It is often used to describe someone who does not fit in with the rest of their family, such as a rebellious child or an adult who does not subscribe to the same values as their parents. Some people also use it to refer to themselves if they feel that they don't fit in with their family or group.

Example Sentences

• His parents are very well-respected in the community, but John is the black sheep of the family and has caused them a lot of embarrassment.
• Charlie doesn't fit in with his siblings, he's always been the black sheep of the family.
• I feel like the black sheep of my group of friends, they all have similar interests and I'm the only one who doesn't.
• She was always the black sheep of the family, not wanting to follow the same path as everybody else.

The power of idioms transcends languages!

"Putting the cart before the horse" is an English idiom that means doing things in the wrong order. In Russian, the similar idiom is "Кладёт колесо впереди лошади," which translates to "Putting the cart before the horse." This idiom emphasizes the idea that doing things in the wrong order can lead to confusion and problems down the line.