fəˌmɪliˈærəti briːdz kənˈtempt
Relationships
neutral
intermediate
- Literally:
- Knowing something too well leads to disrespect
What does "familiarity breeds contempt" mean?
- The better you know someone or something, the more likely you are to find faults
- Close association leads to loss of respect
Examples
- Working with him daily has shown his flaws—familiarity breeds contempt.
- They say familiarity breeds contempt, and their marriage proved it.
- The team stopped respecting the product they built. Familiarity breeds contempt.
Origin
Ancient proverb found in Aesop's fables and later in Chaucer's 'Tale of Melibee' (14th century). It warns that intimate knowledge often reveals imperfections.
How to use it
Often used to explain why relationships or respect deteriorate over time. Can apply to people, products, or routines.
Similar expressions
close acquaintance reveals faults
too much exposure
Opposites
absence makes the heart grow fonder
Related idioms
- break the ice
To initiate conversation in an awkward social situation
- see eye to eye
To agree with someone completely
- head over heels
Completely and deeply in love
- pull someone's leg
To tease or joke with someone
- cut someone some slack
To be less strict or demanding with someone
- tie the knot
To get married
Use it in a practice answer
Try "familiarity breeds contempt" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.