What does “Run in the Family” mean?
"Run in the Family" means that a trait or characteristic is shared by many members of a family.
What context can I use the in?
Example
Athleticism runs in the family - everyone is involved in sports.
Example
Creativity runs in the family - they are all talented artists.
Example
A love for cooking runs in the family - they all enjoy spending time in the kitchen
Is “Run in the Family” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Run in the Family” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Run in the Family” effectively in context?
You can use "Run in the Family" to describe a trait or characteristic that is shared by many members of a family. It emphasizes the idea that certain qualities or talents are passed down from one generation to another. For example, if someone is talking about their family's musical abilities, they might say, 'Musical talent runs in the family - we all play instruments.'
- 1Athletics
Athleticism runs in the family - everyone is involved in sports.
- 2Art
Creativity runs in the family - they are all talented artists.
- 3Cooking
A love for cooking runs in the family - they all enjoy spending time in the kitchen.
Similar phrases to “Run in the Family”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Run in the Family” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Run in the Family" is unknown.
Is “Run in the Family” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Run in the Family" is a common idiom used in everyday conversation. People often use it to talk about shared traits or characteristics within a family.
What tone does “Run in the Family” have?
"Run in the Family" conveys a tone of observation and recognition. It is often used to acknowledge and appreciate the presence of a particular quality or talent within a family.
Can “Run in the Family” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Run in the Family" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that describes a common phenomenon in families. You can use it in casual conversations with friends and family, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, interviews, or written reports.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Musical talent runs in the family - we all play instruments.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'It runs in the family!' to imply the presence of a shared trait or characteristic.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- hereditary
- inherited
- genetic
- familial
- shared characteristic
Antonyms
- individual
- unrelated
- non-hereditary
- unique
- not in the family
