steely-spined: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘steely-spined’ mean?
The idiom steely-spined describes someone who is strong, determined, and unwavering in their beliefs or actions. They possess a metaphorical backbone made of steel, indicating their resilience and resolve in the face of challenges or adversity.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "to the backbone" means someone or something that is strong, determined, or has a certain quality to a great extent.
"Stuck up" is an idiom used to describe someone who is arrogant, snobbish, or thinks they are superior to others. It implies a sense of haughtiness and a lack of humility.
The idiom "stuck in the Stone Age" means someone is resistant to change and holds outdated beliefs or practices. It metaphorically refers to being trapped in a time period known for primitiveness and lacking modern advancements.
The idiom "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me" means that physical harm is easier to withstand than emotional or verbal harm.
The idiom "sticks and stones" means that harsh words, insults, or criticism should not have a lasting impact on a person's emotional well-being. It emphasizes the idea that verbal attacks should be ignored or considered unimportant.
The idiom "stepping razor" means someone who is extremely sharp or dangerous, often in a figurative sense. It refers to someone who is always alert, ready to react, and potentially harmful to others if provoked.
Idiom Analysis:
Unbreakable Valor
The idiom "steely-nerved" is closely related to "steely-spined." When someone is described as "steely-nerved," it means they have exceptional calmness and composure in difficult or high-pressure situations. This idiom suggests that the individual possesses nerves of steel, remaining cool and collected even when faced with challenging circumstances. "Steely-nerved" emphasizes the person's inner strength and ability to stay focused, making it synonymous with being "steely-spined."
"steely-eyed" is another idiom closely connected to "steely-spined." When someone is characterized as "steely-eyed," it means they have a piercing or intense gaze that conveys determination, focus, and a strong sense of purpose. This idiom suggests that the individual possesses unwavering resolve and determination, just like someone who is "steely-spined." Their gaze reflects their inner strength and determination to achieve their goals, making "steely-eyed" synonymous with being "steely-spined."
"Nerves of steel" is an idiom that shares a similar meaning to "steely-spined." When someone is said to have "nerves of steel," it means they have exceptional courage, bravery, and emotional resilience. This idiom suggests that the individual is able to withstand high-stress or dangerous situations without succumbing to fear or anxiety. Having "nerves of steel" implies a strong inner fortitude and an unwavering resolve, making it synonymous with being "steely-spined."
"to the backbone" is yet another idiom that relates closely to "steely-spined." When someone is described as being "to the backbone," it means they have unwavering loyalty, commitment, and conviction in their beliefs or principles. This idiom suggests that the person's character is ingrained deeply within them, as if it were an integral part of their backbone—the metaphorical representation of their inner core strength. Being "to the backbone" shares a similar meaning to being "steely-spined" in terms of an individual's unwavering commitment and resolute nature.
"balls of steel" is a colloquial idiom that is often used to describe someone who exhibits exceptional courage, bravery, or fearlessness. This idiom suggests that the person possesses an unshakable resolve and an indomitable spirit, much like someone who is "steely-spined." It emphasizes the person's ability to take risks and face challenges head-on without hesitation, highlighting their inner strength and determination. "Balls of steel" is synonymous with being "steely-spined" in terms of the individual's unwavering courage and resolute nature.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom steely-spined can be used in a sentence:
- She faced her fears with a steely-spined determination.
- The steely-spined leader never backed down from a challenge.
- Despite the intense pressure, he remained steely-spined throughout the entire ordeal.
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