- Meaning
- This idiom means to speak or act openly, without hesitation or ambiguity, as if presenting something plainly without picking through ‘bones’ of doubt. It conveys straightforwardness or candor, often used in personal, professional, or public contexts to emphasize clarity or honesty. The phrase carries a tone of assertiveness, confidence, or bluntness, reflecting cultural values of directness and the human tendency to value transparency. Its skeletal imagery evokes a no-nonsense attitude, resonating in scenarios like debates or confessions. The idiom underscores unapologetic truth, making it a bold metaphor for forthright communication.
- Origin
- The phrase originated in 15th-century England, tied to the older expression ‘to find bones in something,’ meaning to find fault or hesitate, as one might pick bones from soup. Its earliest recorded use appears in John Skelton’s poetry (1520s), using ‘make no bones’ to mean acting without qualms. The idiom gained traction in 17th-century Britain, notably in Samuel Pepys’ diary (1660s), and spread through 19th-century literature, with Charles Dickens’ *Our Mutual Friend* (1865) using it for blunt speech. Its adoption across English-speaking cultures, especially in the U.K., U.S., and Australia, stems from its vivid imagery and applicability to honest or decisive actions.
- Variants
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- Make no bones
- No bones about it
- Making no bones
- Examples
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- She made no bones about it, telling the team they’d failed to meet expectations.
- No bones about it, he’s the best candidate for the job.
- Making no bones, they admitted the project was a disaster.
- Make no bones about it, I’m not happy with this decision.
- He made no bones, quitting the company with a scathing letter.
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