breed in the bone: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘breed in the bone’ mean?
The idiom "breed in the bone" means that a certain characteristic or behavior is deeply ingrained or inherited from one's family or upbringing.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "run in the family" means that a certain trait, characteristic, or talent is common among the members of a family, indicating a strong genetic or hereditary influence.
The idiom "dying breed" refers to a group or type of people or things that are becoming rare or disappearing completely. It implies that there are few remaining members or examples of that particular group or type.
The idiom "dyed-in-the-wool" means firmly and completely holding a particular belief or opinion. It refers to something that is deeply ingrained and unlikely to change.
The idiom "deep down" refers to one's true or hidden feelings, thoughts, or qualities. It suggests that there is an inner core, often different from one's external appearance, that truly represents who a person is.
The idiom "cut one's teeth" means to gain initial experience or develop foundational skills in a particular field or activity. It comes from the literal act of a baby cutting their first teeth, which is a milestone indicating growth and development.
The idiom "cut from the same cloth" means that two or more people are very similar or alike in terms of their personality, characteristics, or beliefs.
The idiom "cut from the same cloth" is often used in American English to describe individuals who have similar personalities, behaviors, or attitudes. It suggests that these individuals share common traits or qualities, indicating that they are much alike.
The idiom "come into being" means the process or event of something coming into existence or being created.
The idiom "chip off the old block" means someone who closely resembles their parent in terms of qualities, talents, or behaviors. It implies that the person is very similar to their parent, as if they were formed from the same block of wood.
The Origin Story
Breed in the bone is an idiomatic expression that describes a characteristic, habit, or behavior that is deeply ingrained in a person's nature or personality. It suggests that certain qualities or tendencies are inherited or acquired at an early age and are difficult to change or eradicate. This idiom can be traced back to the 16th century, where it first appeared as the proverb "What's bred in the bone will come out in the flesh." It evolved over time into the more concise expression "breed in the bone." The phrase is believed to have originated from the field of animal breeding, where specific traits are bred into animals through selective breeding techniques.
Breed in the bone is often used figuratively to imply that certain qualities or behaviors are deeply rooted in a person's nature, much like traits inherited from ancestors. It suggests that these inherent qualities are difficult to change or suppress, regardless of how hard someone may try.
In addition to its figurative usage, breed in the bone is commonly used to describe talent or skill. For instance, someone might say, "She's a natural-born singer. It's bred-in-the-bone." This phrase indicates that the person has a natural talent for singing that is deeply rooted and inherited.
Similarly, this idiom can be used to describe negative traits or behaviors. For example, someone might say, "He has a quick temper. It's bone-deep." This implies that the person has a predisposition towards anger or a short fuse that is deeply ingrained in their nature.
Breed in the bone can also refer to cultural or societal characteristics that are deeply rooted in a community or group of people. For example, someone might say, "Hospitality is in one's bones in their culture." This suggests that the act of being welcoming and hospitable is an inherent part of their cultural identity.
Overall, the idiom breed in the bone conveys the idea that certain qualities, habits, or behaviors are deeply ingrained in a person's nature or a community's identity. It suggests that these inherent characteristics are difficult to change or alter, remaining a defining trait that lingers throughout a person's life or within a particular group.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "breed in the bone" can be used in a sentence:
- Although he tried to appear calm, his impatience was bred in the bone.
- She had a natural talent for singing; it was bred in the bone.
- His love for adventure was bred in the bone; he couldn't stay in one place for too long.
More "Origin" idioms
