Joined At The Hip

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

1- 8 1s lead down, 1L turns under 1M's arm and 1s lead up to 2nd place (2s step up 3-4). Bar 8: 2s+3s step in and all take promenade hold
9-16 3 couple Promenade, finish with 1s facing 2W with nearer hands joined, 1L on 1M's left
17-24 1s+2s set and Petronella in tandem; facing up/down all set and change places RH with partner
25-32 1s dance up, cast to 2nd place on opposite sides; 1s ½ turn RH, pull back RSh and dance out to own side while 2s+3s turn partner RH once round. 213

(MINICRIB. Dance crib compiled by Charles Upton, Deeside Caledonian Society, and his successors)

Keith Rose's Crib Diagram

Joined At The Hip - Full Size And Key To Symbols

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It usually implies that they are rarely seen apart and may share very similar interests, opinions, habits or activities. The phrase is often used humorously or informally rather than literally.

The expression comes from the medical condition of conjoined twins, where two twins are physically connected at part of the body. Historically, some well-known conjoined twins were joined around the hip or pelvis, which contributed to the wording becoming familiar in English-speaking culture.

In modern use, the phrase is figurative. For example, two close friends, business partners or relatives who constantly appear together might be described as "joined at the hip", even though there is no physical connection. The expression can be used positively to suggest strong friendship or loyalty, or negatively to suggest over-dependence or lack of independence.