bag of bones: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘bag of bones’ mean?
The idiom *bag of bones* refers to someone who is very thin or emaciated, often used to describe a person's physical appearance.
Idiom Explorer
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An idiom meaning someone has an extremely unattractive or unpleasant face, often used to give a brutally honest description of someone's appearance.
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The idiom "give someone the bag" is a primarily American phrase that means to deceive or cheat someone. It is often used to describe a situation where someone is tricked or taken advantage of, resulting in a negative outcome for them.
The idiom "few sandwiches short of a picnic" refers to someone who is not very intelligent or mentally lacking in some way.
An idiom meaning someone is not very intelligent or mentally unstable.
The idiom "few cards shy of a full deck" is an expression commonly used in American English. It describes someone who is perceived as mentally or emotionally unbalanced. The idiom originates from the game of cards, where a full deck consists of all the cards required to play.
The idiom "featherless biped" refers to a human being. It signifies a creature that lacks feathers like birds but walks on two legs.
The idiom *excess baggage* refers to unnecessary or extra weight or burden, usually of emotional or physical nature, that hinders progress or holds someone back.
Excess baggage is an idiom that originated from the travel industry. It can be traced back to the mid-20th century when air travel became more accessible and popular. The idiom refers to the additional weight or burden that someone carries, both literally and figuratively.
The idiom "dough-faced" refers to a person with a pale, expressionless face, resembling uncooked dough. It is used to describe someone who lacks vitality or emotion in their facial expression.
The idiom "dead meat" is used to describe someone who is in serious trouble or facing severe consequences. It implies that the person is helpless and likely to suffer negative consequences or punishment.
Decoding This Macabre Expression
One possible explanation for the origin of the idiom "bag of bones" is that it refers to a skeleton or a dead body that has lost all its flesh. The term "bag" is used metaphorically to represent the human body, which is described as containing only bones. In this sense, the idiom suggests extreme thinness or a lack of flesh, emphasizing the skeletal nature of the person being described.
Another possible origin for this idiom may lie in the concept of a bag of bones being weak and fragile. The human body, filled with bones and not much else, can be seen as delicate and easily broken. This interpretation highlights the physical vulnerability of a person who is thin and gaunt.
Additionally, the idiom could have a metaphorical meaning, suggesting that the person being described lacks strength, vitality, or substance. The image of a bag of bones implies a person who is lacking in physical or emotional substance, as if their body is merely a vessel for their bones, with little else to offer.
In contemporary usage, the idiom "bag of bones" is often employed to describe someone who is underweight or extremely thin. It may be used to express concern for someone's health or to draw attention to their physical appearance.
However, it should be noted that this idiom can also be used in a derogatory manner to criticize someone's appearance or to mock their thinness.
The idiom "bone-idle" is related to the concept of a bag of bones in that it suggests a person who is extremely lazy or inactive. The use of the word "bone" in this idiom conveys the idea of a person whose body is so lacking in energy or movement that it might as well be a bag of bones.
Similarly, the idiom "bone-dry" is related to the image of a bag of bones in that it describes something as completely dry or devoid of moisture. The association with bones in this idiom emphasizes the idea of something being empty or barren, much like a bag of bones with no flesh or substance.
Whether describing someone's physical appearance, strength, or substance, the idiom "bag of bones" continues to evoke a vivid imagery of extreme thinness and fragility. Its usage and meaning have endured over the centuries, attesting to its continued relevancy and power to convey the idea of a person who is skeletal in nature, both literally and metaphorically.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "bag of bones" can be used in a sentence:
- She used to be a professional dancer, but now she's just a bag of bones.
- After weeks of being sick, he finally gained some weight and isn't such a bag of bones anymore.
- The stray dog looked like a bag of bones, clearly in need of food and care.
More "Skeleton" idioms
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