# breed in the bone

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/breed-in-the-bone
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To establish or ingrain firmly within someone's nature.

## Examples

- His love for music is bred in the bone.
- She comes from a family of sailors, so a love for the ocean is bred in the bone.
- The stubborn pride of his ancestors was bred in the bone, making it impossible for him to admit he was wrong.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.