Sánchez-Tójar et al. (2020, Ecol Lett) question the methodology, transparency and conclusion of our study (Yin et al. 2019, Ecol Lett, 22, 1976). I feel that these arguments ignore critical assumptions and are based on a misunderstanding of our peer-review process. General does not mean always; the jury is in deciding when and where a transgenerational effect is beneficial, which enlightens future research.