Close To The Bone Idiom American Expressions and American Idioms

This database is a comprehensive collection of all the American idioms and slang available. American Idioms are many and varied. We hope you enjoy our collection. We are adding more all the time. .

close to the bone What does close to the bone mean?	something (a story/remark) that is embarrassing or upsetting	The remarks of my boss hit close to the bone when he began to criticize my work habits.
close to the bone What does close to the bone mean?	something (a story or remark) that is embarrassing or upsetting	The remarks of my boss hit close to the bone when he began to criticize my work habits.
	Some Random Idioms
for fear of (something) What does "for fear of (something)" mean?	because of the fear of something	We stayed home all weekend for fear of the big hurricane that was coming.
every cloud has a silver lining What does "every cloud has a silver lining" mean?	there is always something good in every problem or bad event	Although the fire destroyed the small business, every cloud has a silver lining and the business owners were able to build a new building which was better than the original one.
out of style/fashion What does "out of style/fashion" mean?	to be not fashionable, to be obsolete	The kind of jeans that my friend wears have been out of style for a long time now.
so quiet you can hear a pin drop What does "so quiet you can hear a pin drop" mean?	very quiet	It was so quiet you could hear a pin drop when the woman stood up to speak about her cancer operation.
as proud as a peacock What does "as proud as a peacock" mean?	very proud, haughty	The father was as proud as a peacock of his young son.
play one's cards close to one's chest What does "play one's cards close to one's chest" mean?	to be extremely secretive and cautious about something (to hold playing cards close to your chest so the other players cannot see them)	My boss always plays his cards close to his chest when he is negotiating with another company.
I've got a bone to pick with you What does "I've got a bone to pick with you" mean?	If somebody says this, they mean that they have some complaint to make against the person they are addressing.
While the cat's away, the mouse will play What does "While the cat's away, the mouse will play" mean?	People whose behaviour is strictly controlled go over the top when the authority is not around, which is why most teenagers have parties when their parents have gone on holiday. The parents are the scary authority figures, but the cat's away and the kids are the mice partying and enjoying their freedom.
a brush with the law What does "a brush with the law" mean?	a brief encounter or experience with the police because of a crime	The man had a brush with the law when he was young but now he is totally honest.

American Idioms and Expressions

Close To The Bone Idiom