On the distaff side

usgb
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"
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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.
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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.
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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"

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