bred-in-the-bone
In one's nature
Bred-in-the-bone describes qualities so deeply ingrained they seem innate rather than learned—as if bred into the very skeleton.
A bred-in-the-bone conservative holds convictions that run deeper than reasoned positions.
The phrase suggests something unchangeable, fundamental to character: Her bred-in-the-bone optimism survived every setback.
Adhering to past methods
- dyed-in-the-woolUnchangeably committed to beliefs
- thoroughbredOf pure ancestral line
- lineageDescent from progenitors
- heritageInherited cultural legacy
generational · ancestral · time-honored · pedigree · bloodline · family · legacy · roots
Existing from birth
- deep-seatedFirmly established within
- ingrainedFirmly established by habit
- hereditaryPassed through generations
- congenitalExisting from birth
instinctive · inherent · intrinsic · hardwired · constitutional · native · fundamental · deep-rooted
Impossible to reform
- inveterateLong-established, unchangeable
- confirmedEstablished as accurate
- habitualDone by routine
- committedFirmly pledged or bound
devoted · dedicated · steadfast · resolute · unshakeable · die-hard · through-and-through · quintessential
old-school
Adhering to past methods
- dyed-in-the-woolUnchangeably committed to beliefs
- thoroughbredOf pure ancestral line
- lineageDescent from progenitors
heritage · generational · ancestral · time-honored · pedigree · bloodline · family · legacy · roots · upbringing
inborn
Existing from birth
- deep-seatedFirmly established within
- ingrainedFirmly established by habit
- hereditaryPassed through generations
congenital · instinctive · inherent · intrinsic · hardwired · constitutional · native · fundamental · deep-rooted · instilled
incorrigible
Impossible to reform
- inveterateLong-established, unchangeable
- confirmedEstablished as accurate
- habitualDone by routine
committed · devoted · dedicated · steadfast · resolute · unshakeable · die-hard · through-and-through · quintessential · archetypal
bred-in-the-boneacquired
Came to possess
learned · cultivated · adopted · developed · trained
bred-in-the-bonesuperficial
Lacking depth or substance
surface-level · skin-deep · shallow · passing · temporary
bred, breed, breeder, breeding, breeds, inbred, inbreeding, bone, bones