What does “Runs in the family” mean?
"Runs in the family" means that a trait or characteristic is common among members of a family.
What context can I use the in?
Example
Athleticism runs in the family; all of her siblings are talented athletes.
Example
Entrepreneurship runs in the family; her parents and grandparents all started successful businesses.
Example
A love for music runs in the family; her father, mother, and siblings are all musicians
Is “Runs in the family” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Runs 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 “Runs in the family” effectively in context?
You can use "Runs in the Family" to describe a trait or characteristic that is common among members of a family. It emphasizes the idea that certain qualities or talents are inherited or passed down through generations. For example, if someone is talking about their family's musical abilities, they might say, 'Musical talent runs in the family; my grandparents, parents, and siblings are all musicians.'
- 1Athletics
Athleticism runs in the family; all of her siblings are talented athletes.
- 2Business
Entrepreneurship runs in the family; her parents and grandparents all started successful businesses.
- 3Artistic Talent
A love for music runs in the family; her father, mother, and siblings are all musicians.
Similar phrases to “Runs in the family”:
Passed down from one generation to another
Example
Their artistic talent is hereditary; their parents and grandparents were also talented artists.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Runs in the family” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Runs in the Family" is unknown.
Is “Runs in the family” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Runs in the Family" is a commonly used expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to talk about shared traits or characteristics within a family.
What tone does “Runs in the family” have?
"Runs in the Family" conveys a neutral tone. It is used to state a fact or observation about a family's traits or talents.
Can “Runs in the family” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Runs in the Family" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that describes a common phenomenon within families. You can use it in casual conversations with friends and family, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, interviews, or academic discussions.
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; everyone in our family is musically inclined.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Yep, it runs in the family!' to imply a shared trait or characteristic.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- inherited trait
- familial characteristic
- genetic predisposition
- shared quality
