🏃♂️ Running in the Blood: Traits that Traverse Generations 🩸
To “run in the blood/family” means to describe a characteristic spirit or trait embedded deep within your genetic code, simply waiting to burst out like a family heirloom you can’t quite re-gift. Richard Brinsley Sheridan gave us an apt theatrical snapshot of this phrase in 1777 with “Learning that had run in the family like an heirloom!” School for Serious Scandals, wouldn’t you say?
Related Terms and Expressions
- Chip off the old block 🪵: This little gem signifies a strong resemblance to one’s ancestors, particularly in terms of behavior or talent. It’s like discovering you’re an echo of the past.
- Blood is thicker than water 🩸💦: This phrase implies familial relationships and loyalties are the deepest and strongest. It’s Nature’s way of reminding us whom to call when our plumbing gets clogged.
- In one’s blood 🔬: If something’s in your blood, it’s an intrinsic part of you, not something easily scrubbed off like that clingy ketchup stain.
Proverbs and Quotes
Synonyms
- Part of the family tradition 🏡: A touch sweeter than the phrase “run in the family,” but just as meaningful.
- Ingrained in the DNA 🧬: Because it suggests some next-level science under those habitual quirks.
- Generational trait 🧓👶: A bit formal but captures the idea splendidly. Imagine a family reunion where everyone excels at tongue twisters!
Antonyms
- Anomaly in the family 🧩: That’s the rogue cell in the otherwise predictable biological spreadsheet.
- Outlier 🌌: That unique individual in the family who reminds you that life can have unexpected chapters, possibly from outer space.
“Families are like fudge—mostly sweet with a few nuts” – Anonymous. A scream from life’s nutcracker, wouldn’t you say?
Suggested Readings and Media
- Books:
- The Family Fang by Kevin Wilson 📚 – A novel about a family engaged in weird performance art.
- East of Eden by John Steinbeck 🌅 – Dive deep into family sagas and interwoven destinies.
- Movies:
- Cheaper by the Dozen 🏠 – Family traits unpacked in humorous ways.
- Coco 💀 – A glimpse into how familial traits and traditions have a spectral persistence.
- Songs:
- “We are Family” by Sister Sledge 🎤 – Family bonds serenaded.
- “All in the Family” theme 🛋️ – A pinch of retro family values.
🧩 Fun Quiz Time! 🧠
### Which of these phrases means the same as "run in the blood/family"?
- [x] Built into the genes
- [ ] Walking the talk
- [ ] Rolling the dice
- [ ] Floating on dreams
> **Explanation:** "Built into the genes" is another way of saying something is deeply inherited, just like "run in the blood/family."
### What does "blood is thicker than water" imply?
- [x] Family bonds are stronger than other relationships
- [ ] Family pets are more relevant than aquatic ones
- [ ] Hydration is necessary
- [ ] It's always family bath time
> **Explanation:** "Blood is thicker than water" suggests that familial relations are strong and outweigh other types of relationships.
### True or False: ‘Chip off the old block’ means someone who is very different from their ancestors.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** False! "Chip off the old block" means someone who is very similar to their ancestors, especially in appearance or behavior.
“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” – Aristotle
À bientôt,
Gene E. Talks
