Blood is thicker than water

Meaning

Family ties are stronger than other relationships.

Usage

Used when people side with relatives.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Medieval commentary about loyalty among kin.

Repeated in proverbs across cultures emphasizing kinship.