Metaphors We Live By: Phrases That Capture the Genealogical Journey.
Family history isn’t just about names carefully plotted on a chart—it’s a lived experience, rich with mystery, challenge, and moments of delight. It’s the thrill of uncovering a long-forgotten story, the frustration of chasing a record that seems to vanish into thin air, the quiet satisfaction of piecing a life together from scattered fragments.
Along the way, family historians—whether seasoned researchers or curious beginners—adopt a unique language. We find ourselves speaking in phrases steeped in metaphor and meaning, a kind of shorthand that captures the highs, lows, and unexpected turns of our journey. These sayings help us make sense of the work we do and the emotions it stirs.
At first, newcomers may find this vocabulary unfamiliar. Terms like brick wall, rabbit hole, or filling in the gaps sound almost whimsical, even puzzling. But before long, even the newest researcher will be nodding in recognition, having experienced first-hand the realities behind these vivid expressions.
This shared language binds us together, forming a quiet community of storytellers and seekers across generations. Like the paths our ancestors once walked, these phrases wind their way through exploration, perseverance, surprise, and legacy. They remind us that while each journey is personal, the experience of the journey is universal.
In the spirit of celebration and reflection, here are some of the most beloved and familiar metaphors we live by as family historians.
1. Discovery & Exploration
Research often begins with curiosity, but it’s sustained by the joy of discovery. There’s something magical about following a hunch, opening a dusty record, or spotting a familiar surname in a sea of strangers.
These metaphors speak to that feeling of being on a trail—where each clue leads to the next, and where even the smallest detail can illuminate a whole life.
When we talk about “walking in our ancestor’s footsteps” or “digging into the past,” we’re describing more than process—we’re capturing the sense of wonder, of intimacy, that comes with meeting the past on its own terms.
Tracing faded paths of history, guided by fragments, maps, and the echoes of lives lived long ago.
As we discover and explore, we often find ourselves…
- Tracing our roots
- Following the paper trail
- Walking in our ancestor’s footsteps
- Enjoying the thrill of the chase
- Getting lost in the records
2. Solving Puzzles & Making Connections
Family history is often described as a giant jigsaw puzzle—but unlike most puzzles, we’re not always sure what the final image looks like. Some pieces are missing. Others are damaged. A few may not belong at all. Yet there’s immense satisfaction in slowly connecting the dots and watching a story emerge.
These metaphors remind us that genealogy isn’t just about gathering data—it’s about making meaning. When we “crack the code” of a poorly transcribed name or “put flesh on the bones” of a census record, we’re reassembling lives with care and attention.
And there’s artistry in that. It’s not only detective work—it’s storytelling, pattern-making, and sometimes, sheer intuition.
Every record, every scrap, every puzzle piece brings the bigger picture of our ancestors into clearer view.
As the pieces begin to fall into place, we speak of…
- Connecting the dots
- Piecing together the past
- Filling in the gaps
- Putting flesh on the bones
- Untangling family lines
3. Obstacles & Challenges
Every genealogist, no matter how experienced, has faced the dreaded “brick wall.” It’s that place in the tree where the trail goes cold, where records vanish, or conflicting evidence leaves you more confused than when you started. But these setbacks aren’t just frustrations—they’re part of the rhythm of research.
The language we use in these moments—“back to the drawing board,” “lost to history,” or “the paper doesn’t match the story”—acknowledges both the difficulty and the determination involved. It reminds us that the process is rarely smooth, but that each obstacle teaches us something: about sources, about context, and sometimes even about ourselves.
These phrases offer solidarity, too. They remind us that we’re not alone in our struggles—and that breakthroughs often come just after we’ve nearly given up.
The past whispers through gaps and silences — if we are patient enough to listen.
When the going gets tough, our frustrations can be expressed as…
- Breaking down brick walls
- Hitting a dead end
- Looking for a needle in a haystack
- Reading between the lines
- The paper trail doesn’t match the story
4. Unexpected Turns & Distractions
One of the greatest truths of family history is that you never quite end up where you intended. You start with a question about a great-grandfather’s military service and wind up discovering an unexpected second marriage—or a convict sibling you didn’t know existed.
Phrases like “jumping down rabbit holes” and “shaking the tree to see what falls out” perfectly describe these delightful diversions. They can feel like distractions, but often they lead us to the most compelling stories—the ones that redefine our understanding of family, identity, and inheritance.
And let’s be honest: sometimes, getting side-tracked is half the fun.
Sometimes the most extraordinary discoveries lie just beyond the bend — where curiosity dares to wander.
Along the journey we find ourselves…
- Jumping down rabbit holes
- Shaking the family tree to see what falls out
- Discovering skeletons in the closet
- Following unexpected breadcrumbs
- Opening new doors without knowing what’s behind them
5. Legacy & Preservation
For many of us, the goal isn’t just to find names—it’s to preserve stories. These phrases speak to the long view of genealogy: the sense of stewardship that comes with documenting lives, and the desire to pass on something meaningful to the next generation.
When we say we’re “bridging the generations” or “preserving the legacy,” we’re expressing a quiet commitment to continuity. We honour not only the lives of those who came before us, but the curiosity of those who will one day ask the same questions we do now.
Family history is not just about the past—it’s also a gift for the future.
Preserving stories across generations — every name recorded, every legacy illuminated for those who follow.
In the end, we honour the past by…
- Preserving the legacy
- Bridging the generations
- Leaving no stone unturned
- Starting from scratch
- Telling stories that will outlive us
Final Thoughts
The language of family history reveals more than just our research methods—it reveals our hearts. Every phrase, every metaphor, speaks to the hopes, frustrations, joys, and discoveries that come with tracing the lives of those who came before us.
These sayings bind us together as a community of searchers, storytellers, and stewards of the past. They remind us that while each journey is deeply personal, we are never truly alone—we walk parallel paths, speaking a shared dialect shaped by curiosity and care.
As our research tools evolve and new generations of family historians step forward, so too will our vocabulary—enriched by fresh stories, unexpected discoveries, and new ways of seeing the past. Yet the spirit behind the words remains the same: a deep, enduring desire to know, remember, and honour those who built the world we inherit.
What genealogical phrases do you find yourself using? Are there sayings unique to your own journey through the records? I’d love to hear how you talk about the winding, wonderful path of uncovering your family’s history.
Author’s Note: Artificial Intelligence was used in the drafting of this article and the generation of images.
I could add that we “create a tapestry” when we link events in local and national history to our ancestors; events that affected their lives in interesting and colourful ways. Sometimes, a new discovery may “stir the pot”, adding flavour and quality to the story or take us in a different direction.
Thanks for this perspective on family history research Andrew.
Wonderful Beverley and love your 2 additions. Metaphors are such a wonderful way to describe the fascinating work of a family historian.
I loved this post Andrew – it actually ‘cracked a brick wall’ for me. In planning some posts of my own for family history magazines, it was ‘like a lightening bolt’! Pick a theme and ‘harvest gems from a treasure trove’! Take your readers on a ‘journey of discovery’ and ‘talk like a detective’ through the world of Genealogy!
Great Carole and plenty more to add to the list.
This post really struck a chord with me—what a powerful reminder that the words we use in genealogy are more than just shorthand for research steps. They reflect the emotional depth of this work: the metaphors of “brick walls,” “branches,” and “leaps of faith” aren’t just poetic—they’re lived experiences for so many of us. Your closing thoughts beautifully captured that sense of shared language and community. As someone who spends a lot of time both researching and helping others tell their stories, I often find that these phrases are what bridge the gap between data and meaning. Thank you for such a thoughtful piece—and for honoring the heart behind the research. 🙂
Thanks Diane for your response & love the idea of bridging the gap between data and meaning. We see this so often in our family trees where a simple date can mean so much more to those who know the fuller, larger story.
I love “Carrying the Light.” I had not heard that before but now I will remember it.
Thanks Colleen and yes, “Carrying the light” is a powerful image of what we do. Hopefully we also get to pass on the light to others as well.
I love the line – “Family history is not just about the past—it’s also a gift for the future.” As genealogists we all hope that someone will pick up where we leave off and continue the stories.
Yes Kirsten. I often think of family history as layers where we pick up the mantle from those who’ve gone before and in turn, someone will build upon our research in the future.