Expression: Runs in the family
Definition: To be characteristic of a family or peculiar to a nation, ethnic group, or other group.
Usage: Richard Brinsley Sheridan used this expression in 1777 in The School for Scandal (3.3): “Learning that had run in the family like an heirloom!”
Synonyms:
- Hereditary
- Genetic
- In the blood
- Passed down
- Handed down
Antonyms:
- Unrelated
- Sporadic
- Uncommon
- Irregular
Similar Terms & Expressions:
- The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree
- Like father, like son
- A chip off the old block
- Blood is thicker than water
Humor-filled Quote:
“Insanity runs in my family, it practically gallops.” — Cary Grant in Arsenic and Old Lace
“The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” — Meaning children often resemble their parents.
“A bad tree does not yield good apples.” — Bad roots often lead to bad outcomes.
🌟 Literature, Books, and Movies:
- The School for Scandal by Richard Brinsley Sheridan
- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
- The Godfather by Mario Puzo
- Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
- The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) directed by Wes Anderson
🎵 Songs and Poetry:
- “We Are Family” by Sister Sledge
- “Cats in the Cradle” by Harry Chapin
- “Family Business” by Kanye West
- “Our House” by Madness
### Which of these phrases refers to something inherited through the family line?
- [x] Runs in the family
- [ ] Travels with giraffes
- [ ] Swims like a fish
- [ ] Cooks without salt
> **Explanation:** "Runs in the family" is used to describe a characteristic, condition, or trait that appears in multiple family members.
### Which phrase is synonymous with "Runs in the family"?
- [x] The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree
- [ ] The chicken crossed the road
- [ ] Putting the cart before the horse
- [ ] Crying over spilled milk
> **Explanation:** "The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree" indicates similar characteristics between family members, akin to "Runs in the family."
### True or False: The phrase "A chip off the old block" means the same as "Runs in the family."
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** "A chip off the old block" means a person is very similar to one of their parents or an older family member, similar to "Runs in the family."
### Origin Quiz: Who used the phrase "Runs in the family" in their literary work from 1777?
- [ ] William Shakespeare
- [x] Richard Brinsley Sheridan
- [ ] Jane Austen
- [ ] Charles Dickens
> **Explanation:** Richard Brinsley Sheridan used "Runs in the family" in his play *The School for Scandal* in 1777.
### Which of the following is a term commonly used to describe something that exists genetically within a family?
- [x] Hereditary
- [ ] Culinary
- [ ] Literary
- [ ] Voluntary
> **Explanation:** "Hereditary" refers to traits or characteristics that are passed down from one generation to another within a family.
“In every conceivable manner, the family is a link to our past, bridge to our future.” — Alex Haley
Join us in exploring the quirks, the laughs, and the lessons passed down from generation to generation. Until next time, may your curiosities be ever inherited.
— Ethyl Inheritance
