The idiom “all in the family“ refers to keeping information or issues within the confines of one’s family. It often implies confidentiality, especially when the information is private, sensitive, or potentially embarrassing.
Meaning of “all in the family“
“All in the family“ means that something is intended to stay within the family circle without being shared with outsiders. It emphasizes privacy and discretion among family members.
Examples of “all in the family” in sentences
Don’t tell anyone else. Please keep it all in the family.
(Only family members should know this; it shouldn’t be shared outside the family.)
He only told his brother because he wanted it to remain in the family.
(He shared the information with his brother, trusting that it would stay private within the family.)
When to use “all in the family“
- Use this phrase when discussing family matters that are intended to remain confidential or private.
- It can also be applied to close-knit groups, though its primary meaning is usually limited to biological or immediate family.
Equivalent expressions
Some similar expressions are:
- Keep it under wraps: Refers to keeping something hidden or private.
- Family matters: Often used to signify that the topic is relevant only to the family.
- Close to the chest: Holding information tightly, though this applies more broadly and not exclusively to family.
“All in the family“ is an expression emphasizing the importance of family privacy. It’s commonly used when discussing sensitive matters that need to stay within the family circle.
