like one of the family

like one of the family

Said of a person or animal who is so beloved and accepted by a family that it seems as if they or it were an actual member. We were all terribly fond of Chris when Janet started dating him. He became like one of the family, which is why it was especially hard when they broke up. You can't treat your livestock like pets. The more they're like one of the family to you, the harder it will be to sell them.

See also: family, like, of, one

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

like one of the family

as if someone (or a pet) were a member of one's family. We treat our dog like one of the family. We are very happy to have you stay with us, Bill. I hope you don't mind if we treat you like one of the family.

See also: family, like, of, one

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.