bone-deep: Idiom Meaning and Origin

What does ‘bone-deep’ mean?

The idiom "bone-deep" means deeply ingrained or deeply felt, often referring to something that is ingrained at a fundamental level or felt on a physical, emotional, or instinctual level.

Idiom Explorer

Unmasking 'Bone-Deep': Revealing Its Depths

The related idioms "to the bone", "deep down", "in one's bones", and "bone hard" are all connected to the idiom "bone-deep". These idioms share the common theme of emphasizing something that is deeply ingrained or profound, reaching to the core of one's being.

The idiom "to the bone" is used to describe something that is taken to an extreme or absolute extent, leaving no room for anything else. It signifies a complete or thorough involvement or experience of something. When used in conjunction with "bone-deep", it further highlights the profound nature of the feeling or experience, emphasizing its all-encompassing impact.

The phrase "deep down" is used to describe something that is felt or known at a fundamental level, beneath the surface. It represents an innate or instinctive understanding or feeling that is deeply ingrained. This concept aligns with the idea behind "bone-deep", as it emphasizes the depth and rootedness of the feeling or experience.

He has a deep bone of knowledge.

The idiom "in one's bones" is similar to "deep down" in that it signifies a feeling or understanding that is deeply ingrained. It refers to a sense of intuition or instinct that is inexplicable but strongly felt. This idiom further reinforces the concept of the feeling or experience penetrating to the core of one's being, resonating on a deep level.

The expression "bone hard" is used to describe something that is extremely tough or resilient. It signifies a strength or durability that goes beyond the superficial. When related to "bone-deep", it emphasizes the profound nature of the feeling or experience, suggesting that it is resilient and enduring, like the hard structure of bone.

These related idioms contribute to the understanding and depth of the idiom "bone-deep". They convey the idea of something that is deeply ingrained, thoroughly felt, and fundamentally understood. The usage of these idioms in conjunction with "bone-deep" enhances the imagery and impact of the expression, evoking a sense of profoundness and rootedness.

The idiom "bone-deep" represents a feeling or experience that is deeply ingrained, reaching to the core of one's being. It conveys a sense of something that is felt or understood at a fundamental level. The related idioms "to the bone", "deep down", "in one's bones", and "bone hard" all contribute to the understanding and depth of "bone-deep", emphasizing its profound and enduring nature. These idioms highlight the significance and impact of the feeling or experience, resonating with people across different cultures and contexts. "Bone-deep" is a powerful phrase that captures the essence of a profound impact, both physically and metaphorically.

Example usage

The idiom *bone-deep* can be used in a sentence in the following examples:

  1. After years of working in a dangerous environment, he developed a bone-deep fear of heights.
  2. Her passion for singing was bone-deep; she couldn't go a day without singing at least one song.
  3. They had a bone-deep connection that was evident in the way they finished each other's sentences.

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