PhrasesHub

The birds and the bees

    Definitions

      • discuss sex and reproduction
        To talk about the topic of sex and reproduction, especially to children, in a gentle and age-appropriate way

      • confuse someone
        To confuse or bewilder someone, often when discussing a sensitive or awkward topic

    Examples of The birds and the bees

    • "When Sarah's daughter asked her about where babies come from, Sarah didn't know quite how to explain it. She hesitated for a moment before saying, 'This is going to be a little bit like explaining the birds and the bees to you.'"

      In this context, the idiom "the birds and the bees" is being used as a metaphor for the delicate and sometimes uncomfortable conversation parents have with their children about sex and reproduction. It implies that, like the mating behaviors of birds and bees, the discussion can be awkward and maybe a little bit confusing for both parties.

    • "The executive team realized they needed to have a frank discussion about the company's profitability, but they weren't sure quite how to explain it to the board of directors. They decided to 'break it to them like the birds and the bees.' They knew it would be a tough conversation, but they had to be frank and straightforward about the financial realities facing the company."

      Here, "the birds and the bees" is being used more specifically to refer to a difficult conversation that needs to happen, but that might be uncomfortable or ill-understood by the recipient. It highlights the fact that such conversations require tact and sensitivity, just as the mating behaviors of birds and bees require a certain level of finesse.

    • "The couple had been trying to conceive for over a year, and every time they went to the doctor for fertility tests, they left feeling like they were back to square one. They decided to 'talk to the birds and the bees' and consulted with a fertility specialist. After several rounds of treatment, they were finally able to conceive and welcome a healthy baby into their lives."

      In this context, "the birds and the bees" is being used to refer to the initial, often fruitless attempts to conceive. Just as birds and bees may have a difficult time mating and producing offspring, couples dealing with infertility may face similar challenges. By framing their situation in this way, the couple is acknowledging the complexity and often frustrating nature of infertility treatment.

    • "The team at the tech startup was working hard to develop a new product, but they weren't quite sure how to explain it to potential investors. They wanted to make sure they were communicating the product's unique value proposition in a way that would be easy for investors to understand. They decided to 'break it down like the birds and the bees,' making sure they were being clear and concise in their messaging."

      Here, "the birds and the bees" is being used to refer to the process of communicating complex concepts in a clear and simple way. Just as birds and bees have complex mating behaviors that can be difficult to describe, technical products or business concepts can often be challenging to explain in a way that is easy for people to understand. By framing their communication strategy in this way, the team is acknowledging that they need to be clear and concise in their messaging in order to be successful.

    • Responsible parents often use the idiom "the birds and the bees" to explain human reproduction and sexuality to their children. By saying, "It's time we have the birds and the bees talk," they are referring to a conversation about how babies are made.

      "The birds and the bees" is a colloquial expression that originated in the early 20th century. The phrase refers to the idea that birds and bees engage in sex and reproduction in a natural, uncomplicated way. The implication is that just as these animals do not require complex explanations for their biology, humans do not need to use scientific terminology to discuss their bodies and their reproductive processes. By contrast, the use of "the birds and the bees" in parent-child conversations suggests that explaining human reproduction can be straightforward and free from taboo or embarrassment. The phrase is often employed as a euphemism, as an alternative to more technical or explicit terminology that might make children uncomfortable. By using "the birds and the bees," parents hope to convey the necessary information in a way that is age-appropriate and easy to understand.

    • Although my parents tried to avoid the topic, they eventually sat me down for the birds and the bees talk.

      This is a common way to refer to having the traditional conversation with children about sex, reproduction, and the biological differences between males and females.

    • The politicians were dodging questions about the scandal, but eventually the birds and the bees came out.

      In this metaphorical use, "the birds and the bees" represents the eventual exposure or revelation of secrets or truths that have been kept hidden.

    • The theme of the birds and the bees was woven subtly throughout the play, with moments of tender intimacy and frank discussions about desire and fertility.

      Here, "the birds and the bees" is used figuratively to describe an exploration of the themes related to sex, reproduction, and the human body in literature or the arts.


    Conclusion

    "The birds and the bees" is commonly used to refer to discussing the topic of sex and reproduction, particularly with children. It can also be used to describe situations where someone is confused or uncomfortable when talking about sensitive or awkward subjects.

    Origin of "The birds and the bees"

    The phrase "the birds and the bees" has been used for centuries to euphemistically refer to the topic of sex and reproduction. The origin of the phrase is not precisely known, but it is believed to have originated in Europe. Birds and bees are both commonly associated with springtime and the renewal of life, making them fitting symbols for the natural processes of reproduction. The phrase likely became popular as a way for parents to delicately broach the subject of sex with their children.

    One example of the phrase's usage in a literary context is found in Shakespeare's play "Macbeth," where a character says, "the air / Nimbly and sweetly recommends itself / Unto our gentle senses." This is believed to be a reference to the birds and the bees and their role in pollination and reproduction. Over time, the phrase has evolved to be used more broadly in popular culture to refer to discussions about sex and reproduction.