On the distaff side

phrase

Related through female family members.

Her royalty status runs on the distaff side.
Visual representation of "on the distaff side" - Related through female family members

Often appears as...

  • family on the distaff side
  • related on the distaff side

Usage tips

Formal

Idiomatic

phrase

Related through female family members.

Her royalty status runs on the distaff side.
Visual representation of "on the distaff side" - Related through female family members

Often appears as...

  • family on the distaff side
  • related on the distaff side

Usage tips

Formal

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "on the distaff side"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Gender Specific

The phrase exclusively refers to female relatives, not male ones.

Illustration for Gender Specific
He inherited his love for music from the distaff side.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Archaic Term

'On the distaff side' is old-fashioned and rarely used in modern conversation.

Illustration for Archaic Term
Our family's crest comes from the distaff side, from many generations ago.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Literal

This phrase is metaphorical and doesn't involve a real distaff; it signifies the female line.

Illustration for Not Literal
The secret recipe was passed down on the distaff side.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Gender Specific

The phrase exclusively refers to female relatives, not male ones.

Illustration for Gender Specific
He inherited his love for music from the distaff side.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Archaic Term

'On the distaff side' is old-fashioned and rarely used in modern conversation.

Illustration for Archaic Term
Our family's crest comes from the distaff side, from many generations ago.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Literal

This phrase is metaphorical and doesn't involve a real distaff; it signifies the female line.

Illustration for Not Literal
The secret recipe was passed down on the distaff side.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Gender Specific

The phrase exclusively refers to female relatives, not male ones.

Illustration for Gender Specific
He inherited his love for music from the distaff side.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Archaic Term

'On the distaff side' is old-fashioned and rarely used in modern conversation.

Illustration for Archaic Term
Our family's crest comes from the distaff side, from many generations ago.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Literal

This phrase is metaphorical and doesn't involve a real distaff; it signifies the female line.

Illustration for Not Literal
The secret recipe was passed down on the distaff side.
Visual representation of the word "On the distaff side"

Never forget "On the distaff side"

Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google PlayGet it from MicrosoftGet it on AppGallery
Chrome

WordUp Chrome Extension

As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.

Get Chrome Extension
Back to top