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Learn the history and conflicting interpretations of the proverb "blood is thicker than water", which means family ties are stronger than anything else or some relationships are more important than families. Find out how it originated from Germanic and Scottish sources and how it was misinterpreted from an Arabic phrase.
Blood is thicker than water is a proverb in English meaning that familial bonds will always be stronger than other relationships. The oldest record of this saying can be traced back to the 12th century in German. [ 1 ] Historical Perspectives. []
The well-known idiom blood is thicker than water is used to say that someone’s family and blood ties are more crucial in their life than any other person, relationship, or need. For instance, it could mean that your bond with your friends is not as valuable as your bond with your family.
The phrase “Blood is thicker than water” did not mean that blood-related family members were to be considered as more important than anyone else—the original meaning was, “The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb.”
By saying ‘blood is thicker than water’ we mean that family bonds are closer than those of outsiders. Note: The notion that this expression originally conveyed the idea that soldiers, who shed blood together, are closer than others who don’t is speculative and I can’t find any evidence to support it.
The idiom “blood is thicker than water” has been used for centuries to express the idea that family ties are stronger than any other kind of relationship. The origins of this saying can be traced back to ancient times, where blood was seen as a symbol of life and vitality.
May 1, 2020 · The proverb and idiomatic expression blood is thicker than water means that family relationships are more important than other relationships, be they those with friends or romantic partners. It means that blood ties, one’s family, come first above all; that loyalty to one’s family is greater than to others to which you’re not related.
