put flesh on something

put flesh on (the bones of) (something)

To add a lot of details to something in order to explain or illustrate it more completely. I just wish the writer had put flesh on the bones of the villain and her motivations—she seems to act against the protagonist for no apparent reason. I like your basic argument. Now just put flesh on the outline to give me a better sense of how you'll tackle the topic.

See also: bone, flesh, on, put

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

put flesh on something

or

put flesh on the bones of something

If you put flesh on something or put flesh on the bones of something, you add more detailed information to it. It is hoped that the proposal will put some flesh on the concept. He will need to put flesh on the bones of his calls for greater community involvement.

See also: flesh, on, put, something

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012

put flesh on (the bones of) something

add more details to something which exists only in a draft or outline form.

See also: flesh, on, put, something

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

put flesh on (the bones of) something

develop a basic idea, etc. by giving more details to make it more complete: The strength of the book is that it puts flesh on the bare bones of his argument.

See also: flesh, on, put, something

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017