Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
close-to-the-bone
idiom
/ˌkloʊs tə ðə boʊn/
Definition
A phrase that means something that is very relevant or touching to someone, often in a candid or harsh way.
Examples
- His jokes were quite close-to-the-bone but everyone laughed.
- The article was close-to-the-bone regarding the recent events in her life.
Meaning
When something is described as ‘close-to-the-bone’, it means it hits very close to the truth or is very personal, especially in a way that might be uncomfortable or painful.
Synonyms
- touchy
- biting
- painfully honest
- hard-hitting
