English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Chill to the bone
Meaning
The idiom "chill to the bone" means to feel extremely cold or shiver uncontrollably, often due to being exposed to cold weather or feeling frightened or nervous. Example sentences:
- I was chilled to the bone after spending hours outside in the snow.
- The sudden drop in temperature sent a chill down my spine and left me shivering.
- When I heard the news about my loved one's illness, I felt a lump form in my throat and was chilled to the bone.
- The suspenseful movie had me on the edge of my seat, literally chilling to the bone.
- After losing the competition, I was so upset that I couldn't stop shaking and felt chilled to the bone.
Usage
The usage of "chill to the bone" can vary depending on the context. It can be used to describe a physical sensation of feeling extremely cold or shivering, as well as an emotional reaction to a situation that is scary or upsetting. Example sentences:
- I was chilled to the bone after spending hours hiking in the mountains and encountering sudden gusts of wind.
- When I heard about my friend's breakup, I felt tears prick at the corners of my eyes and was chilled to the bone.
- The unexpected twist in the plot left me completely caught off guard and chilling to the bone.
Roots and History
The idiom "chill to the bone" has been used in English since the late 16th century. It originally meant "to become cold through fear or dread," and was often used in religious contexts to describe being overcome with a sense of terror or awe. Over time, the meaning of the idiom expanded to include physical sensations of feeling extremely cold or shivering.
Synonyms in English
- Shiver
- Freeze
- Chill
- Shake uncontrollably
- Body tremble
Synonyms in other languages
- Spanish: "hacerse frío" (to make oneself cold)
- French: "se prendre la rouge" (to become pale and blue with cold)
- Italian: "avere il freddo a tutto corpo" (to have the cold all over the body)
- German: "beißen wie Eis" (to feel as cold as ice)
- Japanese: "寒る" (to be cold or chilled)