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Region: General | Usage example: The desert air was bone dry.

Bone dry

Meaning

Completely dry.

Usage

Used in weather or humorizing dryness.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Metaphor about bones lacking moisture.

Used in literature and weather reports.

Related Idioms

Dry as a bone

Completely dry.

Bone to pick

A grievance one wants to discuss.

Cut to the bone

Reduce costs or resources to the minimum

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.