Explore English traditional proverbsReviewed 2026-10-01
Sense: Verified- Meaning and lesson
The proverb suggests that people with similar interests, habits, or outlooks tend to associate with one another. It describes a pattern, not a rule that every friendship must follow.
It can also imply that a person's choice of companions says something about their character. In that use, the observation may carry a critical or suspicious tone.
- When it is used
Use it when drawing attention to similarities among people who spend time together. Consider the tone: it may be a neutral observation, but it can sound judgmental when used to assess someone by their companions.
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
Report an issue with this meaning: Birds of a feather flock together.