skin and bones

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Explanation of "Skin and Bones"

Definition: - "Skin and bones" is an expression used to describe a person who is very thin and may look unhealthy because they have little body fat or muscle.

Advanced Usage:

• This phrase can be used in various contexts, such as describing someone who is underweight due to illness, stress, or a lack of food.
• It can also be used metaphorically to describe something that is very thin or lacking substance, like "The report was just skin and bones, with no detailed analysis."

Word Variants:

• There are no direct variants of the phrase "skin and bones," but you can use related terms like "scrawny," "emaciated," or "gaunt" to describe someone thin in a similar way.

Different Meanings:

• While "skin and bones" primarily refers to a person's thin appearance, it can also describe an object that is very thin or lacking material, though this usage is less common.

Synonyms:

• Some synonyms for "skin and bones" include:
  • Scrawny
  • Gaunt
  • Emaciated
  • Lean

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• Idioms:

  • "Thin as a rail" – another way to say someone is very thin.
  • "Bone thin" – similar meaning, emphasizing extreme thinness.

• Phrasal Verbs:

  • There are no specific phrasal verbs directly related to "skin and bones," but you might hear phrases like "slim down," which means to lose weight.

Summary:

"Skin and bones" is a descriptive phrase for someone who looks very thin. It can express concern for someone's health and can also be used metaphorically.

Academic

Noun

1. a person who is unusually thin and scrawny

Synonyms

• thin person
• scrag