Run in the family

usgb
verb

Most often, 'run in the family' means that a specific characteristic, trait, or disease appears again and again in different members of a family.

Tall height and curly hair run in our family.
Visual representation of "run in the family" - Most often, 'run in the family' means that a specific characteristic, trait, or disease appears again and again in different members of a family

Often appears as...

  • talents run in the family
  • diseases run in the family

Usage tips

Idiomatic

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Visual representation of "run in the family"
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Common Idiom

Understand that 'run in the family' is a common way to say traits are shared by family members.

Illustration for Common Idiom
Intelligence seems to run in the family.
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Not Always Literal

'Run in the family' can refer to learned behaviors or preferences, not just biological traits.

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A love for music runs in the family.
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No Proof Needed

It's often used casually, without needing scientific or genealogical evidence.

Illustration for No Proof Needed
Being good at chess runs in the family.
Visual representation of the word "Run in the family"

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