English Explanatory Dictionary

make no bones about

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To do, indicate, or say something clearly and without hesitation, even if it may be unpleasant.

Pronunciation

/ˌmeɪk nəʊ ˈbəʊnz əˌbaʊt/ /ˌmeɪk noʊ ˈboʊnz əˌbaʊt/ En-au-make no bones about.ogg

Word forms

make no bones about makes no bones about making no bones about made no bones about

Etymology

A reference to complaining about finding animal bones in food; compare find no bones in (“(obsolete) to experience no hindrances or obstacles; to do something without hesitation”) and have a bone to pick.

Antonyms

make bones about

Related words

find no bones in have a bone to pick make bones about mince words unflinching unhesitating unsparing
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