In English, idioms often use vivid and metaphorical imagery to express ideas naturally and emotionally. One commonly used idiom in family or social contexts is the black sheep. Despite the literal reference to an animal, this phrase carries a completely different meaning. So, what does black sheep mean, in what situations is it used, and what other phrases can be used instead Let’s explore with IDP in this article.
1. What Does The Black Sheep Mean
The idiom black sheep refers to a person who is considered different or does not fit in with a group, especially within a family. It often carries a negative connotation, suggesting that the person has done something disappointing, is not accepted, or refuses to follow the rules and norms of the group.
In Vietnamese, this idiom is similar to being an outcast or a person isolated from their family or community.
Examples
John has always been the black sheep of the family while everyone else became doctors, he chose to be a struggling artist.
Every family has a black sheep who does not follow the rules.
2. Origin of the Idiom The Black Sheep
The term black sheep originates from sheep farming in Europe, particularly in England. In a flock, most sheep have white wool, which is more valuable due to its ability to be dyed. Occasionally, a black-fleeced lamb is born, and its wool is less valuable because it cannot be dyed. These black sheep were considered unwanted or bad luck by farmers.
From this literal background, black sheep evolved to describe a person within a family or group who stands out negatively due to their behavior, character, or reputation. Although the idiom may now also describe someone unique or independent, the meaning of being different and not accepted remains more common.
3. How to Use the Idiom Black Sheep
Black sheep is typically used as a noun or noun phrase. It is often paired with prepositional phrases such as of the family or of the group for clarity.
Common structure Someone + to be + the black sheep + of the family or group
Examples
He is the black sheep of the family because he dropped out of college to travel the world.
She has always been the black sheep among her friends, preferring quiet nights to wild parties.
Usage contexts
Context | Example |
|---|---|
Talking about unaccepted differences within a group | He is the black sheep of the family because he chose to be a musician instead of a lawyer. |
Expressing a general truth | Every family has a black sheep. |
4. Black Sheep vs Different
Both black sheep and different describe someone or something that stands out. However, they have distinct meanings.
Category | Black sheep | Different |
|---|---|---|
Type | Idiom noun phrase | Adjective |
Meaning | Stronger meaning used to describe someone viewed as an outsider, troublemaker, or disgrace | Neutral adjective simply describing someone or something not the same |
Context | Always used in group settings like family, company, or friends | Can be used in any context comparing two or more things |
Example | He is the black sheep of the family because he never went to college. | He is different from his family he has a different hair color. |
5. Synonyms and Related Idioms for The Black Sheep
To enrich your vocabulary and express ideas more creatively, here are some idioms and phrases similar to the black sheep. While not identical in meaning, all convey the idea of someone who is different or does not fit in.
Idioms and Phrases with Similar Meaning
Idiom | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
The odd one out | A person who is different from the rest | Among all the classical musicians, she was the odd one out with her passion for jazz. |
March to the beat of your own drum | Live life your own way | She has always marched to the beat of her own drum, and that makes her inspiring. |
Go against the grain | Do the opposite of what is expected | Her decision to become an artist really went against the grain in a family of engineers. |
Break the mold | Be different from the norm | He broke the mold by starting his own business instead of going to college. |
A square peg in a round hole | A person who does not fit the environment | He was a square peg in a round hole in the corporate world too creative for routine work. |
Words Describing Someone Who Is Different or Unaccepted
Term | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
Misfit | Someone who does not fit into society or community | He was seen as a misfit in school but later became a successful entrepreneur. |
Nonconformist | A person who does not follow societal norms | As a nonconformist, she often challenged traditional ideas. |
Outsider | Someone who is isolated from a group | He always felt like an outsider in his own family. |
Rebel | A person who goes against the rules | She was known as a rebel who rejected all family expectations. |
Eccentric | A person with unusual habits or thoughts | Although considered eccentric, his creativity was unmatched. |
6. Using The Idiom Black Sheep in the IELTS Speaking Test
You can use the black sheep when describing someone in a specific group. Here are suitable contexts:
Part 1: When asked about your family, friends, or personality
Part 2: When describing a person or a moment when you felt different
Part 3: When discussing social issues like family values or the pressure to conform
IELTS Speaking Part 1 Example
Question: Do you have a big family
Answer: My family is quite traditional, and most of my relatives work in finance. However, my cousin Tom has always been the black sheep of the family. He decided to pursue a career in music, which was quite unconventional for us, but he is incredibly passionate about it.
IELTS Speaking Part 2 Example
Cue Card: Describe a person in your family who is very different from others.
Answer: I would like to talk about my uncle. In a family of engineers and doctors, he was always seen as the black sheep because he chose to be a musician. For years, my grandparents worried about his career choice. However, he never gave up on his passion and worked incredibly hard. Now, he is a successful film composer. What I admire most is his courage to march to the beat of his own drum. His story inspires me to follow my own path, even if it means being the black sheep.
IELTS Speaking Part 3 Example
Question: Do you think it is important for children to follow their parents career paths
Answer: Not necessarily. In many societies, there is pressure on children to meet their parents expectations, especially in traditional families. If a child chooses a different path, they may feel like the black sheep, which can be isolating. However, I believe it is more important to discover one’s own passion. Going against the grain can bring fresh ideas and creativity.
7. Practice Exercises with the Idiom Black Sheep (with Answers)
Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with black sheep or different in the correct form.
My brother is quite …………………… from the rest of our family he loves quiet evenings while we prefer loud parties.
He was always the …………………… of the family, constantly getting into trouble and causing embarrassment.
Her approach to problem-solving is very …………………… from mine, but it is often effective.
Despite being the …………………… of the group, she always brought a unique perspective.
The new design is radically …………………… from the previous one.
Exercise 2: Rewrite the sentences using the black sheep or a suitable synonym.
My brother is the one who does not fit in with the rest of our family. → My brother is ………………………………………… of our family.
He was a person who did not fit into the traditional environment of his school. → He was ………………………………………… in his school.
In her family of academics, she was always the one who rebelled against the traditional values. → In her family of academics, she was always ………………………………………….
Answers
Exercise 1
different
black sheep
different
black sheep
different
Exercise 2
the black sheep
a misfit
the black sheep
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The black sheep is a powerful and expressive idiom, often used to describe someone who is different or unaccepted within a family or community. While it may have a negative tone, it can also reflect independence, courage, and authenticity in today’s context. Using this idiom appropriately in the IELTS Speaking test can help convey your thoughts more vividly, especially in topics related to personality, differences, or family values.
Learning English is a long and rewarding journey. For beginners, building a strong foundation and using the right learning methods is the key to success. Practice consistently and do not fear making mistakes. Take full advantage of available learning resources to improve every day.
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