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Danyoo Posted 21 years ago
Vocabulary

Bone dry

Expression "bone dry" means very dry -- that I know.

But what is the relationship between the bone and dryness?
  

Top answer

I don't know the answer, but here's a wild guess: When I google "bone dry", I see many references are made to pottery. Maybe the origin is in the bone (porcelain) of "bone China", and not the anatomical bone? (I feel I'm making a fool of myself...

— Pieanne

  • I don't know the answer, but here's a wild guess: When I google "bone dry", I see many references are made to pottery.
  • Maybe the origin is in the bone (porcelain) of "bone China", and not the anatomical bone?
  • (I feel I'm making a fool of myself...
  • )
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5 Answers
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I don't know the answer, but here's a wild guess: When I google "bone dry", I see many references are made to pottery. Maybe the origin is in the bone (porcelain) of "bone China", and not the anatomical bone? (I feel I'm making a fool of myself...
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Pieanne, making fool of yourself? Never fear! Partial or incomplete answers sure beat no answers any day. Thanks for trying.

Davkett, very interesting reference to the bible...but I am still not very clear on the origin.

Anyone else?
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Hi,

References to dry bones certainly go back a long way.

I've always assumed the reference is to a decomposed body, where all moisture is gone and only the dry bones are left.

We also speak of 'dry as dust', which I also take to be a reference to body decomposition.

Best wishes, Clive
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Thanks Clive!

That a very plausible explanation.
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