gene

gene pool

1. The sum of the genetic information contained within all the individuals in a sexually reproducing population. Part of the reason thoroughbreds are so susceptible to disease is that they have been contained within a very narrow gene pool, so they don't have naturally robust genetic defenses. I'm surprised some monarchs lived as long as they did, given the limited gene pool of the royal family at the time. Everyone in my family wears glasses, so I knew my gene pool wouldn't do my vision any favors.

2. Used humorously to indicate an abundance of or deficiency in someone's genetic traits, such as their intelligence or athletic prowess. He accidentally snipped the cord of the hedge trimmer, so he tried to stick the wires directly into the power outlet. He must have been born in the shallow end of the gene pool. Is it any wonder the child is an incredible swimmer? With two Olympic gold medalists for parents, she was born in the deep end of the gene pool! If that guy seriously wants to start a business selling bees as pets, he must have come from the shallow end of the gene pool.

See also: gene, pool

the deep end of the gene pool

Used humorously to indicate that one's skills or advantages, especially one's intelligence or athletic prowess, have arisen from excellent genetic heredity. Is it any wonder the child is an incredible swimmer? With two Olympic gold medalists for parents, she was born in the deep end of the gene pool!

See also: deep, end, gene, of, pool

the shallow end of the gene pool

Used humorously to indicate that one's deficiencies, especially one's lack of intelligence, have likely arisen from inbreeding or an inferior genetic heredity. He accidentally snipped the cord of the hedge trimmer, so he tried to stick the wires directly into the power outlet. He must have been born in the shallow end of the gene pool.

See also: end, gene, of, pool, shallow

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

in the/somebody’s ˈblood/ˈgenes

part of somebody’s nature and shared by other members of their family: Both his father and his mother were writers, so literature runs in his blood.

See also: blood, gene

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017