World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English Dictionariesosé
Pronunciation / Transliteration: /o.ze/
"Sa blague était un peu osée pour la famille."
Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
Of a remark, joke, or story so nearly touching upon sensitive, private, or embarrassing subjects that it causes discomfort.
"His satirical routine about corporate greed was a bit too close-to-the-bone for the company executives in the audience." - 2
Strikingly severe, harsh, or closely approaching the absolute limit, especially regarding resources or financial margins.
"Living on such a tight budget makes every month feel dangerously close-to-the-bone."
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Originating in the mid-19th century, this idiom draws a physical analogy from butchery and anatomy, where skin and flesh are stripped away until the blade comes dangerously close to the bone. Over time, the metaphor shifted from physical closeness to psychological and social contexts, describing remarks or situations that touch upon sensitive, painful, or indecent truths.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Close-to-the-bone"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Close-to-the-bone" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
osé
Transliteration: /o.ze/
"Sa blague était un peu osée pour la famille."
unter die Haut gehend
Transliteration: /ˈʊntɐ diː haʊt ˈɡeː.ənd/
"Die Kritik ging sehr unter die Haut."
provocatorio
Transliteration: /pro.vo.kaˈtɔ.rjo/
"La sua battuta è stata un po' troppo provocatoria."
subido de tono
Transliteration: /suˈβiðo ðe ˈtono/
"El comentario estuvo un poco subido de tono."
indelicado
Transliteration: /ĩ.de.liˈka.du/
"O comentário dele foi um pouco indelicado."
संवेदनशील
Transliteration: samvedansheel
"उसकी टिप्पणी बहुत संवेदनशील और चुभने वाली थी।"
尖锐刺骨
Transliteration: jiān ruì cì gǔ
"他的笑话开得太尖锐了，让人有些尴尬。"
아슬아슬한
Transliteration: aseul-aseul-han
"그의 농담은 아슬아슬하게 선을 넘었다."
痛いところを突く
Transliteration: itai tokoro o tsuku
"彼のユーモアは少し痛いところを突いていた。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all French termsTo think carefully about something, typically before making a decision.
A formal, documented account of findings, investigations, or statistics issued by an authoritative body or government agency.
Used to express pleasure, realization, surprise, or understanding.
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