Birds of a Feather Flock Together
“Birds of a feather flock together” describes the tendency of people with similar characters or interests to spend time together. The guide does not claim an exact inventor or first printed use.
“Birds of a feather flock together” means that people with similar characters or interests often associate with one another.
Key details
Further guidance
Contextual Examples
The two collectors became friends quickly—birds of a feather flock together.
Rather than using the proverb critically, the report described the shared professional interests that brought the group together.
Current Meaning
people with similar characters or interests often spend time together
History Boundary
This guide establishes the documented present-day form and meaning and does not assert an exact inventor, coinage, or first printed use.
Meaning Boundary
It describes a tendency, not a rule that similar people always form groups or that members of a group are identical.
Practical Use
Use the proverb to comment on the tendency of people with similar interests, habits, or characteristics to associate with one another.
Tone Boundary
Applied to people, the proverb can sound judgmental depending on context; a direct description of the shared trait may be more neutral.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Birds of a feather flock together — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Current proverb meaning about similar people tending to spend time together