What does “Dry as a bone” mean?
"Dry as a bone" means completely dry.
What context can I use the in?
Example
After sitting in the sun all day, the clothes were dry as a bone.
Example
The desert landscape was dry as a bone with no sign of water anywhere.
Example
I left my umbrella at home and got caught in the rain, now I'm dry as a bone
Is “Dry as a bone” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Dry as a bone” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Dry as a bone” effectively in context?
You can use "Dry as a Bone" to describe something that is completely dry, emphasizing the absence of moisture. For example, if you see someone who has been out in the sun all day and their clothes are completely dry, you might say, 'After sitting in the sun all day, the clothes were "dry as a bone".'
- 1Weather
The desert landscape was dry as a bone with no sign of water anywhere.
- 2Forgetting an umbrella
I left my umbrella at home and got caught in the rain, now I'm dry as a bone.
- 3Laundry
After sitting in the sun all day, the clothes were dry as a bone.
Similar phrases to “Dry as a bone”:
Extremely dry, especially due to heat or lack of water
Example
After hours of hiking in the desert, he was parched and desperately needed a drink.
Bone-dry
Completely dry, without any moisture
Example
The well had run dry and the ground around it was bone-dry.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Dry as a bone” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Dry as a Bone" is unknown.
Is “Dry as a bone” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Dry as a Bone" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe the state of something that is completely devoid of moisture.
What tone does “Dry as a bone” have?
"Dry as a Bone" conveys a tone of emphasis and clarity. It is used to vividly describe the absence of moisture in a situation.
Can “Dry as a bone” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Dry as a Bone" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that describes the complete dryness of something. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'After sitting in the sun all day, the clothes were "dry as a bone".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I forgot my umbrella and got caught in the rain, now I'm "dry as a bone"!' to imply being completely soaked.
