- To resemble a parent or older relative in appearance, behavior, or character.
Explanation
Origin
- Dates back to the 16th century.
- Take here has the sense of 'to derive' or 'to acquire characteristics from'.
- After indicates following or succession, implying inheriting traits from someone who came before (an ancestor).
- The idea is acquiring traits 'after' or from a predecessor in the family.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Be the dead spit of (UK/Irish slang: spitting image)
- Mini-me (Pop culture reference: a smaller version of someone, often parent/child)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- (Not common for resemblance, focus is usually on similarity)
Milder/Standard:
- Inherit traits from
- Bear a resemblance to
Situational Appropriateness
- Common in informal and semi-formal conversations about family and resemblance.
- Natural and widely understood.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Generally clear. Ensure it's understood as resemblance/inherited traits, not physically following someone ('taking something after' someone else has used it). Context (usually discussing family) makes it clear.
Examples
- She really takes after her mother with her artistic talent.
- He takes after his father in looks, but his mother in temperament.
- Who do you think the baby takes after more?
Dialogue
Aunt Carol: Little Timmy is getting so tall! He really takes after his dad.
Mom: I know! Everyone says that. But he has my eyes, don't you think?
Aunt Carol: Hmm, maybe. But his sense of humor? That definitely comes from you! He certainly takes after you in that way.
Mom: (Laughing) Okay, I'll take that!
Social Media Examples
- Facebook Post: (Photo of parent and child) People always say she takes after me, but I think she takes after her grandma's stubbornness! 😉 #family #likemotherlikedaughter
- Tweet: My son just organized his toys by color. He definitely doesn't take after me! 😂 #organizedkid #takesafterdad
- Instagram Caption: He takes after his father's love for adventure. #fatherandson #outdoors
Response Patterns
- Agreement: Yes, I can see the resemblance., You're right, they are very similar.
- Disagreement/Alternative View: Really? I think she takes after her aunt more., I don't see it myself.
- Confirmation: Do you think so?
- Elaboration: Yes, especially the way they both [do specific action/have specific trait].
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone says X takes after Y:
- Ask for specifics (In what way?, What makes you say that?).
- Offer your own opinion on the resemblance.
- Discuss other family resemblances.
Conversation Starter
- Yes, commenting He/She really takes after [relative] can be a conversation starter, especially when talking about children or families.
Intonation
- Stress typically falls on takes, after, and the relative being resembled.
- She really TAKES AFter her DAD.
- Often sounds observational or comparative.
Generation Differences
- Universally used and understood. Idioms like spitting image or chip off the old block might feel slightly older but are still common. Mini-me is more recent (late 90s onwards).
Regional Variations
- Standard and common in all major English-speaking regions.