skin and bone

/skˈɪn and bˈəʊn/

/skˈɪn ænd bˈoʊn/

[phrase]

skin and bone

[PHRASE]

used to refer to someone who is extremely thin, often in an unattractive and unhealthy way

synonyms : scrag

thin person

antonyms : fatso

What is the origin of the idiom "skin and bone" and when to use it?

The phrase "skin and bone" is an idiomatic expression that originated as a descriptive comparison. It emphasizes the thinness of a person by comparing them to the bare minimum of flesh, consisting only of skin and bone. It is used to describe someone who is extremely thin, to the point where their skeletal structure is prominent and visible. It suggests that the person lacks significant muscle mass and body weight.

Examples

1. The marathon runner lost so much weight during the race that he appeared skin and bone at the finish line.

2. Emily used to be sick and was skin and bone, but she has regained her health and is now looking much healthier.

3. When Tim arrived home after his backpacking trip, he looked like he was just skin and bones from all the hiking and limited food.

4. - What? - Look at you, all skin and bone.

Nearby words