in one’s bones: Idiom Meaning and Origin

In one's bones is an idiomatic expression commonly used in American English to describe a strong and deep feeling or knowledge about something. It conveys a profound conviction or belief that is deeply rooted within an individual, often without any logical or rational explanation. This figurative expression suggests a sense of certainty and intuition that surpasses mere intellectual understanding.

This idiom is believed to have originated from the idea that bones are an integral part of the human body, providing structure and support. Therefore, when someone says they feel or know something "in their bones," it implies a deep-seated inner understanding that is difficult to explain or articulate.

For example, someone might say, "I knew, in my bones, that she would succeed," to express their unwavering belief and intuitive understanding of someone's abilities. Similarly, the idiom can be used to convey a gut feeling or instinct about a particular situation or outcome, such as saying "I feel it in my bones that it's going to rain."

The idiom "in one's bones" is often used to emphasize a strong and intuitive understanding of something. It is commonly employed in everyday conversations, literary works, and even formal writing to convey a deep emotional connection or an innate awareness that goes beyond conscious thought.

Another related expression is bone-deep, which describes something that is deeply ingrained or felt at the core of one's being. It emphasizes the idea of a feeling or knowledge that is not just surface level, but goes straight to the very bones of a person. This phrase can be used to describe intense emotions, beliefs, or experiences that deeply affect someone.

In addition to that, we have the idiom breed in the bone which suggests that certain characteristics or behaviors are inherent or genetically ingrained in a person. It implies that these traits are so deeply rooted that they become an integral part of the individual's nature, just like bone structure is a fundamental part of the human body. This phrase is often used to explain why certain behaviors or skills seem to come naturally to someone, as if they were born with them.

Similarly, we have the variant bred-in-the-bone which carries the same meaning. It emphasizes the idea of something being deeply ingrained in a person's nature or upbringing. It implies that certain traits or tendencies have been nurtured or instilled from an early age, becoming a fundamental part of their being.

Another related idiom is meat on one's bones, which refers to a person having a healthy and robust physique. It implies that the person has a substantial amount of flesh and muscle, which adds weight and substance to their appearance. This phrase can be used to describe someone who is physically well-built or has a strong and healthy body.

Lastly, there is the idiom go with one's gut, which shares a similar idea of relying on instinct or intuition. It suggests that one should trust their gut feelings or instincts when making decisions or judgments, rather than relying solely on logic or rationality. This phrase implies that our instincts or "gut feelings" can often lead us in the right direction, even when we can't fully explain or justify our reasons.

The idiom "in one's bones" captures the idea of a deep and intuitive knowledge or feeling about something, while related idioms like "bone-deep," "breed in the bone," "bred-in-the-bone," "meat on one's bones," and "go with one's gut" add further nuances to the concept of instinct, conviction, and innate understanding. These idioms reflect the richness and complexity of the English language, allowing us to convey deeper meanings and emotions through figurative expressions.