bred in the bone
[adjective]
Synonyms: inveterate, confirmed, deep-dyed, deep-rooted, deep-seated, dyed-in-the-wool, entrenched, hard-shell, settled, sworn

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

bred-in-the-bone (brědn-thə-bōn)
adj.
► Deeply instilled; firmly established:
bred-in-the-bone loyalty.
► Persistent; habitual:
a bred-in-the-bone liberal.

[TahlilGaran] American Dictionary ▲

bred in the bone
adj. phr. Belonging to your nature or character, especially from early teaching or long habit; natural from belief or habit; believing deeply.
The Willett children's cleanness is bred in the none. Often used, with hyphens before the noun.
Joe is a bred-in-the-bone horseman; he has been riding since he was six.
Antonym: SKIN-DEEP.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲