The birds and the bees Meaning in English
expression
Definition
A polite or gentle way to talk about sex and reproduction, especially when explaining these topics to children.
Usage & Nuances
This is an old-fashioned, gentle idiom mainly used by adults talking to young people. It refers specifically to sex education or explaining where babies come from. You will hear people say "talk about the birds and the bees" instead of directly mentioning sex.
Example Sentences
My parents want to talk to me about the birds and the bees.
basic
Teachers sometimes explain the birds and the bees in class.
basic
He didn't know much about the birds and the bees until he was a teenager.
basic
Have you ever had 'the talk' about the birds and the bees?
natural
Talking about the birds and the bees can be awkward for some parents.
natural
He laughed when his dad tried to explain the birds and the bees using animal stories.
natural