in a family way

in a/the family way

euphemism Pregnant. Did you hear the good news? Kristin is in the family way! I never expected to find myself in a family way so soon after getting married, but I'm thrilled! Nine months feels like an eternity when you're in the family way.

See also: family, way

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

*in a family way

 and *in the family way

Fig. pregnant. (*Typically: be ~; get someone ~.) I've heard that Mrs. Smith is in a family way. Our dog is in the family way.

See also: family, way

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

in a family way

and in the family way

mod. pregnant. I hear that Britney is in a family way.

See also: family, way

McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.