All Ears English Podcast – Episode 2566

Title: Does Strong English Run in Your Family?
Hosts: Lindsay McMahon & Michelle Kaplan
Date: February 16, 2026

Overview

In this episode, Lindsay and Michelle dive into the topic of family traits and traditions—specifically, what it means for something to "run in your family." They break down idioms and expressions connected to family traits, discuss their own experiences, and give tips for English learners on using these phrases to build connections. The episode is engaging and upbeat, with lots of examples and practical advice for anyone looking to navigate small talk, share about themselves, or ask others about family backgrounds in American English.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. What "Runs in the Family" Means (02:17–05:51)

• Discussion: Lindsay asks Michelle if language or any specific interest runs in her family.
  • Michelle mentions her mom speaks German (02:32), but language isn't a strong family trend. Musical talent is seen in her and her brother, though not in her parents.
  • Lindsay highlights work ethic as something she feels runs in her family, though she questions if it's genetic or learned (03:02).
  • Both hosts agree some aspects might be genetic, some learned.
• Insight: "Running in the family" refers to traits, skills, or characteristics seen in multiple family members, whether genetic or acquired.

2. Exploring Family Traits with Idioms (05:51–10:31)

• Main Idiom: "Does X run in your family?"
  • Used to ask if a particular trait or talent appears among many family members.
  • Examples given: dimples, wavy hair, height, lack of athleticism.
• Michelle notes: "No one in my family is athletic... actually, to kind of take it back, my dad is a little, like, with the pickleball." (06:48)
• Lindsay jokes about stretching the idiom: "Usually we don't say a career runs in the family, but... my dental office, where I go, it's also two brothers and their dad." (09:47)

3. Alternative Family Idioms & Expressions (12:13–18:23)

(a) The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far from the Tree (12:22–13:50)

• Meaning: A person behaves, looks, or thinks like their parent(s).
  • Positive and negative connotations possible.
  • Michelle: "I think it can be both... but I do think it has a more... slightly more positive sound." (13:27)
  • Used when recognizing a similarity, e.g., "Your son is also a good dancer... the apple doesn't fall far from the tree." (12:50)
• Usage Advice: More commonly used for behaviors or talents rather than physical features (19:04).

(b) Like Father, Like Son / Like Mother, Like Daughter (14:01–14:22)

• Structure: "Like X, like Y"—a commentary on shared traits between parent and child.
  • Can be used for both genders, but often follows the same-gender pattern.
  • Michelle: "We don't really say like father, like daughter, do we? ... It's a little bit of a sexist expression." (14:03)
• Example: "His father is also very athletic. Like father, like son." (14:34)
• Advice: Adjust your intonation when making this type of comment.

(c) I Get [Trait] from My [Relative] (17:33–18:23)

• Meaning: You’ve inherited a specific characteristic.
  • Example: "I get my musical taste from my father." (17:47)
  • Can be phrased as: "Where do you get your sense of humor from?" (17:53)
• Caution: Be mindful of which traits you compare, as it can be sensitive for some people.

4. Sensitivity & Connection Tips (15:13–18:23)

• Be careful when comparing someone to a parent, especially for achievements or careers.
• Lindsay: "...sometimes people don't love to be compared to their parents as much. They want to be seen as unique..." (15:13)
• Avoid negative comparisons unless the conversation allows for joking or self-deprecation.

5. Role Play Example (18:36–20:53)

• Demonstrates idiom usage in natural dialogue:
  • "Where do you get your green eyes from?" (18:44)
  • "My mom and brother both have green eyes. I get my sense of humor from my dad, though." (18:50)
  • "Like mother, like daughter." (19:00)
  • "I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree." (19:03)
• The hosts reflect on their real-life use of these idioms and give context for when each feels natural.

6. Poll for Listeners (21:45–22:29)

• Poll Question: What do you think runs in your family the most?
  Options: Physical looks, athletic ability, musical talent, or work ethic.
• Lindsay: "I have a feeling it's gonna be physical looks, but we will have to see." (22:16)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Lindsay, on nature vs. nurture:
  "You probably need both. You need a little bit of raw talent that might be inherited, and then you need that talent to be nurtured and brought out and put into an environment where it's encouraged." (03:57)

• Michelle, joking about athleticism in her family:
  "I will say that I get it from my mom, my athletic ability, which is horrible and non-existent." (07:14)

• On careful connection:
  "Just think about, you know, kind of who you're talking to before making a big sweeping statement like this...especially if it's about, like, career choice, right? Or other things." —Lindsay (15:13)

• On idiom usage:
  "If you really want to get to them, you could say you're just like your mother." —Michelle (17:02)
  "No one likes that. Right?" —Lindsay (17:13)

• On reflection and self-discovery:
  "Sometimes as you reflect on your own traits and physical aspects, sometimes we realize something about ourselves through that conversation with someone else." —Lindsay (22:51)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 02:17–05:51: Nature vs. nurture—what runs in the family?
• 05:51–10:31: Idiom "Does X run in your family?" and others, with examples.
• 12:13–13:50: The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree—meaning and usage.
• 14:01–14:22: Like father, like son / Like mother, like daughter.
• 17:33–18:23: Using "get [trait] from [relative]" in questions and statements.
• 18:36–20:53: Full role play demonstration.
• 21:45–22:29: Listener poll announcement and discussion.

Takeaway & Closing Thoughts

• Using idioms about family traits is a great way to build deeper connections and learn more about yourself and others.
• Connection Tip: Be sensitive to the context and the individual's feelings, particularly when discussing inherited traits or achievements.
• Action for Listeners: Reflect on what runs in your own family and use these idioms to spark meaningful conversations.

Next Steps: Participate in the Spotify poll about what trait runs in your family, and check out related episodes (like Episode 2561: How To Blow Open Your English Vocabulary) for further learning.

All Ears English Podcast: Where you learn that language is about connection, not perfection!