work one's fingers to the bone
To work especially hard, usually for an extended period.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“She works her fingers to the bone to pay the bills.”
“He worked his fingers to the bone all summer to save enough money for his university tuition.”
“Despite working her fingers to the bone for years to build the company, she received very little recognition for her tireless efforts.”
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abound in one's own sense
To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.
- 02
ace up one's sleeve
A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
- 03
act one's age
To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.
- 04
act one's age, not one's shoe size
Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).
- 05
afraid of one's own shadow
Exceptionally timid.
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air one's dirty laundry in public
To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.
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air one's dirty linen in public
Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.
- 08
albatross around one's neck
A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.
Last updated August 10, 2026