PhrasesHub

Bone dry

    Definitions

      • extremely dry
        To describe something or someone as completely lacking moisture or water content, often in an exaggerated or humorous way. Can also be used to indicate that something is completely devoid of any emotion or excitement.

      • lacking resources or funds
        To describe a situation or person as having no money or resources available. Often used in a financial or business context to indicate a lack of financial stability or success.

      • exhausted or depleted
        To describe a person or thing as completely drained of energy or resources. Can also be used to indicate a state of extreme exhaustion or fatigue.

      • completely finished or completed
        To describe something as being fully completed or finished, leaving nothing left to be done. Often used to emphasize the finality or completeness of a task or project.

    Examples of Bone dry

    • The bar in the desert town was bone dry after the water truck broke down during the summer heat.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation in which there isn't a drop of liquid, in this case, water. In other words, the bar was completely empty of any drinks due to a malfunctioning water truck during a hot and dry period.

    • The negotiation talks between the two parties dragged on and on, leaving both sides bone dry of all their ideas and offers.

      Here, the idiom denotes a situation where a lengthy and fruitless discussion has left the parties with nothing. They have exhausted all their ideas and offers, much like a parched person who has run out of all sources of hydration.

    • The team's performance in the first half was bone dry due to the rival team's stifling defense.

      The use of "bone dry" implies that the team has failed to score any points in the first half, much as an empty cup that has been left out in the sun all day long. The defense of the opposing team has been so good that it has left the team as lifeless as a desert oasis during a long drought.

    • After the storm, the crops lay bone dry, with no hope of a good harvest.

      This idiomatic use portrays a scene where heavy rains have been followed by a prolonged spell of dry weather, causing the crops to perish and yield no benefits. The crops, just like a parched lone tree in a desert, remain hopeless and lifeless, with no respite in sight.

    • The dessert was bone dry, as though the baker forgot to moist it with any liquid.

      This expression refers to something being extremely dry, as though it lacks any moisture. The speaker is suggesting that the dessert was not moist enough, which leads to an unpleasant texture and taste.

    • The glass was bone dry, indicating that none of the guests had finished their drink.

      This expression refers to something being completely empty, as though there is no more liquid left in it. Here, the speaker is suggesting that nobody has drunk any of the contents of the glass.

    • The land was bone dry due to the prolonged drought, making it difficult for vegetation to grow.

      This expression refers to an area being completely dry, as though there has been no rainfall at all. The speaker is suggesting that the lack of moisture has had a negative impact on the surrounding vegetation.

    • After exercising for hours, my mouth was bone dry and my throat felt parched.

      This expression refers to something being excessively dry, as though there is no moisture left in it. The speaker is suggesting that their mouth and throat are dry due to dehydration, which can lead to discomfort and thirst.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "bone dry" can be used in a variety of contexts to describe something as completely lacking in moisture, resources, energy, or completion. It is often used in an exaggerated or humorous way to emphasize the extreme nature of the situation.

    In its most literal sense, "bone dry" is used to describe something as completely devoid of any moisture or water content. This can refer to a physical object, such as a desert or a sponge, or to a person's body or mouth. In a more figurative sense, the idiom can also be used to indicate a lack of emotional or intellectual depth, as in someone who is "bone dry" of creativity or passion.

    In a financial or business context, "bone dry" is often used to describe a situation or person as having no resources or funds available. This can refer to a company or individual who is struggling financially, or to a project or investment that has failed to generate any profit.

    The idiom can also be used to describe a person or thing as completely exhausted or depleted. This can refer to physical tiredness or burnout, as well as a lack of emotional or mental energy. Finally, "bone dry" can be used to indicate that something is completely finished or completed, leaving nothing left to be done. This can refer to a task, project, or even a relationship. In all of its meanings, "bone dry" is a vivid and colorful way to describe a state of extreme dryness, depletion, or finality.

    Origin of "Bone dry"

    The origin of the idiom "bone dry" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the late 18th or early 19th century. It is thought to have originated from the concept of bones being stripped of all moisture and nutrients, leaving them completely dry and brittle. This imagery was then applied to various situations and objects that were perceived as being completely devoid of any moisture or resources.

    The idiom has also been linked to the phrase "dry as a bone," which has been used since the 16th century to describe something as completely dry. Over time, this phrase evolved into "bone dry," which is used more commonly today.

    In popular culture, the idiom has been used in various forms, including in literature, music, and film. It continues to be a popular and vivid way to describe something as completely dry, depleted, or finished.