make no bones about (something)
To be transparent about something, without any equivocation. He makes no bones about having come from a wealthy family. When training a new employee, I make no bones about my expectations, so that they're not surprised by anything down the road.
make no bones about it
Used to introduce or emphasize something that one asserts to be true without hesitation or doubt. Make no bones about it—this deal is terrible for the team. She has a serious case of bronchitis, make no bones about it, but she should be feeling much better after a few days of antibiotics. When training a new employee, I make no bones about my expectations, so that they're not surprised by anything down the road.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
make no bones about
Act or speak frankly about something, without hesitation or evasion. For example, Tom made no bones about wanting to be promoted, or Make no bones about it-she's very talented. Versions of this expression date back to the mid-1400s and the precise allusion is no longer known. Some believe it meant a boneless stew or soup that one could eat without hesitation; others relate it to dice, originally made from bones, that were thrown without hesitation or fuss.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
make no ˈbones about something/about doing something
not hesitate to do something; be honest and open about something: She made no bones about telling him she wanted a pay rise. ♢ He makes no bones about the fact that he’s been in prison.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
make no bones about
To be forthright and candid about; acknowledge freely: They make no bones about their dislike for each other.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
make no bones about
To speak frankly and directly. A form of this expression was used as early as the 15th century and meant “without difficulty.” The reference is to the bones in stews or soup. Soup without bones would offer no difficulty, and accordingly, one would have no hesitation in swallowing soup with no bones.
Endangered Phrases by Steven D. Price Copyright © 2011 by Steven D. Price