the birds and the bees


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the birds and the bees

Lessons about sex, such as are typically taught to children or young adults. My mom talked to me about the birds and the bees this morning—it was so mortifying!
See also: and, bee, bird
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

the birds and the bees

Euph. sex and reproduction. (See also .) My father tried to teach me about the birds and the bees. He's twenty years old and doesn't understand about the birds and the bees!
See also: and, bee, bird
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

birds and the bees, the

A euphemism for sex education, especially when taught informally. For example, It's time Father told the children about the birds and the bees. Cole Porter alluded to this expression in his witty song, "Let's Do It, Let's Fall in Love," (1928) when he noted that birds, bees, even educated fleas fall in love. This idiom alludes to sexual behavior in animals to avoid explicit explanation of human behavior. [Second half of 1800s]
See also: and, bird
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

the birds and the bees

If you tell a child about the birds and the bees, you explain to them about sex and sexual reproduction. At the age of 16 I remember having yet another discussion about the birds and the bees with my father. Note: This expression is often used humorously. Note: People sometimes explain sex and sexual reproduction to children by telling them how animals reproduce.
See also: and, bee, bird
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012

the birds and the bees

basic facts about sex and reproduction as told to a child. informal
See also: and, bee, bird
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

the birds and the ˈbees

(old-fashioned or humorous) the basic facts about sex and reproduction, the ‘facts of life’, as told to children: Now that Jamie is eleven, isn’t it time you told him about the birds and the bees?
See also: and, bee, bird
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
See also:
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