breeding
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breed in the bone
To deeply and firmly root, ingrain, or establish some trait or behavior, as if inherited genetically. His etiquette is the type of thing the military breeds in the bone. In this part of the country, hospitality is simply bred in the bone.
breed like rabbits
slang To have several babies in a short period of time. (Rabbits are known to produce a large number of offspring very rapidly.) I can't believe my sister is pregnant for the fourth time in five years. She and her husband just breed like rabbits!
breed up a storm
Of the weather, to become overcast. I wouldn't go outside right now—it looks to be breeding up a storm.
breeding ground
1. Literally, a place where animals congregate for the sake of breeding. The ducks return to their breeding ground in the park every spring. The state helps farmers maintain breeding grounds for livestock.
2. A place, environment, or situation that promotes or provides ample conditions for the development of something, whether tangible or intangible. Offices are breeding grounds for sickness in the wintertime. We hope to create a dynamic research space for our students that will become a breeding ground for innovation and new ideas.
breeding will tell
proverb One's true nature will be revealed. If you're skeptical of someone's motives, just give it time—breeding will tell.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
Breeding will tell.
Prov. one's character or lack of it will become known. From the beginning, he appeared to be courteous, and now he clearly has proven himself to be so. Breeding will tell.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
breed like rabbits
reproduce prolifically. informalFarlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
breed up a storm
New England To become cloudy.
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.