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Region: General | Usage example: She invited all her kith and kin to the housewarming.

Kith and kin

Meaning

Friends and family collectively.

Usage

Used more in literary or formal contexts expressing circle of relations.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Old English where kith meant acquaintances and kin meant relatives.

The phrase dates back to the fourteenth century in Middle English.

Related Idioms

Bring home the bacon

Earn a living or deliver the results your family or team depends on.

Blood is thicker than water

Family ties are stronger than other relationships.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.