run in the family

Meaning

This idiom is used to say that a specific quality, physical trait, talent, or medical condition is common among many members of a family. It implies that the trait is passed down genetically or through a shared environment. It is a neutral expression used in both casual and medical contexts.

Examples

• Musical talent seems to run in the family; almost everyone plays an instrument.

  Musical talent seems to run in the family; almost everyone plays an instrument.

• Heart disease runs in the family, so I try to eat healthy and exercise regularly.

  Heart disease runs in the family, so I try to eat healthy and exercise regularly.

• A quick temper runs in their family, but they are working on managing it.

  A quick temper runs in their family, but they are working on managing it.

• Red hair runs in the family on my mother's side.

  Red hair runs in the family on my mother's side.

• They are all incredibly tall—good height definitely runs in the family.

  They are all incredibly tall—good height definitely runs in the family.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ The artistic skill runs into the family.

  ✓ The artistic skill runs in the family.

  The correct preposition is always 'in', not 'into' or 'through'.

• ✗ Good looks are running in the family.

  ✓ Good looks run in the family.

  This expression is almost always used in the simple present tense ('runs/run') rather than the continuous form, as it describes a permanent state or characteristic.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Sarcastic humor seems to ___ in the family; my brother is just like my dad.

  💡 A verb associated with moving fast on foot.

  Show answer

  run

• Does baldness ___ in your family?

  💡 Verb in the base form.

  Show answer

  run