bred-in-the-bone

== English == === Etymology === From the past participle of breed in the bone. === Pronunciation === === Adjective === bred-in-the-bone (comparative more bred-in-the-bone, superlative most bred-in-the-bone) (idiomatic, of a habit, trait, belief, etc.) Firmly established or instilled; deep-seated. (idiomatic, of a person) Inveterate or habitual; long-standing. ==== Synonyms ==== (firmly established): deep-rooted, deep-seated, dyed-in-the-wool ==== Related terms ==== breed in the bone what's bred in the bone will come out in the flesh