blood will tell
Meaning: Family background and inherited character eventually show.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Example: “Her grandfather was a sea captain, and she sails like a pro; blood will tell.”
Category: Body & Senses
Origin: Based on the old belief that character is passed on in the blood. The saying is found from the 19th century.
Equivalents in other languages
- French: Bon sang ne saurait mentir — literally: Good blood cannot lie
More idioms — Body & Senses
- at the top of one's lungs — As loudly as possible.
- a stab in the back — A betrayal by someone one trusted.
- freeze one's butt off — To be extremely cold.
- have a nerve — To be rude or bold in a way that shocks others.
- get on someone's nerves — To annoy someone.
- knock someone's socks off — To impress or amaze someone greatly.
More English idioms
- a shot across the bow — A warning of more serious action to come.
- at a snail's pace — Very slowly.
- no picnic — Not easy or pleasant.
- a witch hunt — A campaign to find and punish people, driven by fear or suspicion rather than evidence.
- the lean years — A period of hardship and scarcity.
- worship the golden calf — To value money and wealth above everything.
From our compliments & insults
- Che spettacolo! — You look absolutely stunning — a spontaneous burst of admiration for someone's appearance.
- Du bist ein Goldstück — You're a real gem — priceless, irreplaceable, and deeply appreciated.
- Du hast ein Händchen dafür — You have a real knack — a natural gift that makes difficult things look easy.