dyed-in-the-wool
See also: dyed in the wool
English
Etymology
From the past participle of dye in the wool
Pronunciation
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Adjective
dyed-in-the-wool (comparative more dyed-in-the-wool, superlative most dyed-in-the-wool)
- (of textiles) Dyed before being formed into cloth.
- (idiomatic, figuratively) Firmly established in a person's beliefs or habits; deeply ingrained in the nature of a person or thing.
- Smith was a dyed-in-the-wool typist and never really got used to writing on computers.
- John Major was described by his opponents as a dyed-in-the-wool Conservative.
Usage notes
The expression "dyed in the wool" refers to a state of steadfastness, especially with respect to one's political, religious or social beliefs. The expression comes from the fact that fabric can be dyed in a number of ways. The woven fabric may be dyed after it is complete, or the threads may be dyed before they are woven. When a color is "dyed in the wool," the wool itself is dyed before being spun into threads, so the colour is least likely to fade or change. (Dyes: Webster’s Quotations, Facts and Phrases. Icon Group International. 2008, p. 344.)
Synonyms
- (firmly established): bred-in-the-bone, deep-rooted, deep-seated
Translations
dyed before being formed into cloth
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firmly established in a person's beliefs or habits
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