flesh out: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘flesh out’ mean?
The idiom "flesh out" means to provide more details or information to make something more complete, substantial, or vivid.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "lay it on thick" means to exaggerate or overdo something, especially when expressing emotions or flattery, in order to create a stronger impact or influence on someone.
The idiom "into detail" means to thoroughly analyze or examine something, providing a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.
The idiom "in detail" means to explain or describe something thoroughly or with great attention to specific information or facts.
The idiom "full to the gills" means completely or excessively full, often referring to a person or a container that is completely filled to its capacity.
The idiom "full-fledged" means to be fully developed or complete. It is used to describe something or someone that has reached a mature or advanced stage.
The idiom "fruit up" means to enhance or make something more enjoyable, often by adding or incorporating additional elements or features. This idiomatic expression is derived from the idea of adding fruit to a dish to make it more flavorful. It can be used in various contexts, including food, experiences, or even situations that require improvement or enhancement.
The idiom "for good measure" means to do something in addition to what is necessary or expected, often for extra effect or completeness.
The idiom *flush out* means to force someone or something out into the open, especially by using tactics or methods that expose their true nature or intentions.
The idiom *fit out* means to provide or equip something with the necessary items or components. It is often used when referring to furnishing or outfitting a space with furniture, fixtures, or other necessary items.
The idiom "fish out" means to find or extract something or someone, often from a difficult or obscure place or situation.
Idiom Expansion
The idiom "flesh out" has a straightforward meaning that originated in the 17th century. It is used in English-speaking countries, including the United States, and its usage has evolved over time.
The primary meaning of "flesh out" is to provide more substance or detail to something that is initially incomplete or vague. This can refer to various contexts such as adding more details to a plan, idea, or story. It is commonly used in creative fields like writing, art, and filmmaking, where artists or creators are encouraged to develop their ideas further.
"Flesh out" is derived from the verb "flesh," which means to give substance or form to something. When used in combination with "out," it intensifies the action of providing more depth or elaboration. The origin of this idiom is uncertain, but its metaphorical use can be traced back to the late 17th century.
One possible explanation for the origin of this idiom is related to the concept of "fleshing" in hunting. "Fleshing" refers to the process of removing the flesh from animal hides during hunting expeditions. This term was later adapted to describe the act of adding more meat to bones, giving a better form to the skeleton. Over time, this concept transitioned into the metaphorical use of "fleshing out" to describe the act of adding substance or detail to something.
The idiom "flesh out" can also be used interchangeably with similar expressions like "fill in the details" or "develop further." Each idiom carries slightly different connotations and nuances.
The idiom "fill in" is related to "flesh out" as they both involve adding information or details. However, "fill in" specifically refers to adding missing information or completing something that is incomplete. For example, if you have a form with blanks and you fill in the missing information, you are adding the necessary details to complete it.
The idiom "firm up" is also related to "flesh out" as it involves making something more solid or concrete. While "flesh out" focuses on adding substance or detail, "firm up" emphasizes making something more definite or resolved. For instance, if you have a vague idea and you firm it up, you are refining and clarifying it to make it more concrete.
The idiom "flesh out" has a well-established usage in English-language conversations and is commonly understood to mean adding more substance or detail to something. Its metaphorical origins likely stem from the concept of "fleshing" in hunting, although the exact details remain unclear. Regardless of its origin, "flesh out" continues to be a versatile idiom that resonates with various creative and practical pursuits, inspiring individuals to provide a richer experience or understanding of their ideas.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *flesh out* can be used in a sentence are:
- The author needs to flesh out the characters in the story to make them more relatable.
- I only have a rough outline of my presentation, but I will flesh it out with more details before the meeting.
- Our initial plan is just a basic concept, but we need to flesh it out and add more specifics before presenting it to the client.
More "Verb" idioms
