Phrase Finder

Idioms · 2 entries

Children

What does "Children" mean?

The protruding belly of a pregnant woman. Also used to describe the unborn child itself.

Baby bump

Britain, 1980s

Children should be seen and not heard

Britain.

Entry 1

Baby bump

Meaning The protruding belly of a pregnant woman. Also used to describe the unborn child itself.

Usage Worldwide.

Example

  • Joan doesn't really want to make it public that she was pregnant but pretty soon her baby bump is going to make it obvious.

Pronunciation

Entry 2

Children should be seen and not heard

Meaning Old proverb suggesting that children should not impinge on the adult world.

Usage Rarely used seriously any longer. Now more likely be heard in black and white movies than in real life.

Example

  • Grandma is a bit strict. We shouldn't judge her though - things were tougher in her childhood. She was expected to be seen and not heard.

Pronunciation