The phrase “birds of a feather flock together” means that people who have similar interests, personalities, or characteristics tend to associate with each other. It is based on the observation that birds of the same species often fly in groups or flocks. The phrase suggests that there is a natural attraction or compatibility between people who are alike.
The phrase has been used in English literature since the 16th century, but it may have an older origin. The first recorded use of the phrase in its current form was in 1599, in a dictionary by John Minsheu. However, a similar expression appeared in 1545, in a satire by William Turner. The phrase may also be derived from an ancient proverb in the Book of Ecclesiasticus, which says that “birds resort unto their like” or “birds nest with their own kind”.
The phrase can be used as a complete sentence, such as “They are birds of a feather”, or as an incomplete sentence, such as “Birds of a feather, you know”. The phrase can also be used to describe a group of people, such as “They are all birds of a feather”, or to explain why someone likes or dislikes someone else, such as “I don’t get along with him, we are not birds of a feather”. The phrase can have a positive or negative connotation, depending on the context and tone. For example, it can imply that people share common values and interests, or that they are narrow-minded and exclusive.
