“Like father, like son” is a common English idiom used to describe similarities between a father and his son. However, to use this expression naturally in daily communication and in the IELTS test, you need to understand not only its meaning but also its appropriate context and usage.
In this article, IDP will help you fully understand how to use this idiom through practical examples and similar expressions, enabling you to apply it flexibly and improve your English expression.
1. What Does “Like Father, Like Son” Mean?
The idiom “like father, like son” is used to indicate that a child resembles their father in terms of:
appearance
personality
behaviour
In Vietnamese, it is similar to expressions like “Cha nào con nấy.”
Example
He’s just like his dad—like father, like son.
Tone of the Idiom
This idiom is neutral in tone, meaning it can be used in both positive and negative contexts depending on the situation.
Tone | Context | Example |
Neutral | Simply stating similarity | They both love football. Like father, like son. |
Positive | Praising good qualities | He’s hardworking, just like his dad—like father, like son. |
Negative | Mild criticism or sarcasm | They’re both stubborn. Like father, like son. |
2. Origin of the Idiom
The origin of “like father, like son” is believed to date back to the Bible, specifically Ezekiel 16:44:
“As is the mother, so is her daughter.”
Although it does not directly mention fathers and sons, this structure inspired later expressions such as:
like mother, like daughter
like father, like son
In Latin, a similar phrase existed:
Qualis pater, talis filius
(Like father, like son)
Over time, the expression became widely used in everyday English to describe family resemblance.
3. How to Use “Like Father, Like Son”
3.1 Position in a Sentence
As a standalone sentence
It can be used independently to emphasise a point.
Examples
He has the same habits as his dad. Like father, like son!
Both of them are stubborn. Like father, like son!
At the end of a sentence
It can also be placed at the end for emphasis.
Examples
He has the same personality as his father—like father, like son.
It’s true: like father, like son.
3.2 Common Contexts
This idiom can be used in various everyday situations:
Appearance
They look exactly alike—like father, like son.
Personality
They are both hardworking—like father, like son.
Shared interests or career
His father was a pilot, and now he is too—like father, like son.
Negative traits
He procrastinates just like his father—like father, like son.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Using variations helps improve your Lexical Resource in IELTS.
Synonyms
A chip off the old block
→ very similar to a parent
Take after someone
→ resemble a family member
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree
→ children resemble parents
Follow in someone’s footsteps
→ do the same as a parent
Spitting image
→ look exactly like
Antonyms
A black sheep (of the family)
→ very different from others
Be nothing like someone
→ completely different
Go against family tradition
→ choose a different path
March to the beat of one’s own drum
→ be independent
Worlds apart
→ completely different
5. Using “Like Father, Like Son” in IELTS
Using idioms naturally can improve your Lexical Resource score in IELTS Speaking. However, since this idiom is informal, it is best used in:
Speaking Part 1
Speaking Part 2
Avoid using it in Writing or formal contexts.
IELTS Speaking Part 1
Question: Are you similar to your father?
Answer: Yes, definitely. We both share a passion for digital marketing. People often say, like father, like son.
IELTS Speaking Part 2
Cue Card: Describe a person you admire
Answer: My father is a successful entrepreneur, and I really admire him. People often say I’m just like him—like father, like son. I’ve inherited his determination and work ethic.
6. Bài tập ứng dụng idiom Like father like son (có đáp án)
Exercise 1
Fill in the blanks:
Like father, like son
Like father, like son
Like mother, like daughter
Like father, like son
spitting image
apple (The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree)
Like father, like son
chip (A chip off the old block)
Like father, like son
Like father, like son
Exercise 2 (Multiple Choice)
A
A
B
A
A
Use “Like Father, Like Son” Effectively in IELTS
Understanding how to use “like father, like son” correctly will help you express ideas more naturally and vividly in English, especially in IELTS Speaking.
This idiom is best used in everyday contexts when commenting on family similarities. When used appropriately, it can make your answers more natural, engaging, and impressive.
Besides improving your vocabulary and grammar, choosing a reliable IELTS test provider is also essential.
IDP, a co-owner of the IELTS test, offers flexible and convenient options for candidates in Vietnam.
When registering with IDP, you can:
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