ENGLISH
REFERENCE

breed in the bone

idiom
Meaning

To establish or ingrain firmly within someone's nature.


Examples
SIMPLE

His love for music is bred in the bone.

CONTEXTUAL

She comes from a family of sailors, so a love for the ocean is bred in the bone.

COMPLEX

The stubborn pride of his ancestors was bred in the bone, making it impossible for him to admit he was wrong.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    bone hard

    As hard as a bone, rock hard.

  2. 02

    bone in her teeth

    (of a boat or ship) A prominent bow wave (as a result of high speed).

  3. 03

    bone in the throat

    A source of continuing annoyance; a hindrance.

  4. 04

    bone of contention

    Something that continues to be disputed; something on which no agreement can be reached.

  5. 05

    chill to the bone

    To make someone extremely cold, or to be extremely cold.

  6. 06

    different breed of cat

    Something entirely different; a whole other thing or matter.

  7. 07

    dying breed

    A group of people or things that is becoming less numerous over time.

  8. 08

    funny bone

    The ulnar nerve in the elbow, which, when hit, causes a tingling sensation.

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