run in the/(one's) family
To be a hereditary trait or a characteristic frequently exhibited by members of a family. I wonder if she's pregnant with twins—they do run in our family, you know. Cassie's drawing will probably win the contest—artistic ability just runs in her family.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
run in the family
[for a characteristic] to appear in many (or all) members of a family. My grandparents lived well into their nineties, and it runs in the family. My brothers and I have red hair. It runs in the family.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
run in the ˈfamily
(of a physical characteristic or moral quality) be something that many members of a family have: He was never going to live long because heart disease runs in both families. ♢ Good looks run in the family.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
run in the blood/family, to
To be characteristic of a family or peculiar to a nation, ethnic group, or other group. 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!”
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer Copyright © 2013 by Christine Ammer