Definition

Noun: 1. The emotional bond between a mother and her child: This term refers to the deep, enduring, and often spiritual connection believed to link a mother and her offspring, transcending physical separation.

Usage Notes

• "Silver cord" is a metaphorical and somewhat literary term. It is not commonly used in everyday conversation but appears in psychological, spiritual, or poetic contexts.
• It specifically describes a maternal bond. The term is not typically used for the bond with a father or other relatives.
• It often implies a positive, nurturing connection, but can also be used to discuss the challenges of separation or establishing independence.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • Even after moving across the country, she felt the unbroken silver cord connecting her to her mother.
  • The therapist discussed the importance of the silver cord in early childhood development.
  • In her poetry, she writes about cutting the silver cord to find her own identity.

Advanced Usage

• "To cut/severe the silver cord": This phrase is used metaphorically to describe the process of a child becoming emotionally independent from their mother.
  • Leaving for university was his first real attempt to cut the silver cord.

Variants and Related Words

• Bond (n): A general term for a connection or relationship.
• Attachment (n): A strong emotional connection, often used in psychological contexts.
• Umbilical cord (n): The literal, physical cord connecting mother and fetus. "Silver cord" is a spiritual or emotional analogue to this.

Synonyms

• Maternal bond
• Mother-child bond
• Filial bond (though this can refer to a child's bond to either parent)

Related Idioms & Phrases

• Tied to one's mother's apron strings: This idiom describes a person (often a son) who is excessively dependent on their mother, which is a different, often negative, concept related to an unsevered bond.
  • He's 35 and still tied to his mother's apron strings.

Noun

1. the emotional bond between a mother and her offspring