balls to bone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'balls to bone' is not considered correct or appropriate in written English.
In English, the phrase "nerves of steel" is used to describe someone who is very brave or courageous, and this phrase may be used in written English. Example: The firefighter had nerves of steel as she rushed into the burning building.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The war's most common projectile, the large, oblong Minié ball, often tumbled when it hit the body and caused much more damage to bone than smoothbore musket balls.

The New York Times

Balls to that.

Independent

Balls to the Wall.

The New York Times

balls to shoot.

WikiHow

Or: They were bone to bone, almost.

The New Yorker

petal cleaves to bone.

The Guardian

"Time to bone the ducks.

The New Yorker

Gentamicin-polymethylmethacrylate (gentamicin-PMMA) beads are balls of bone cement that release gentamicin locally at initially high concentrations, followed by a period of constant release for up to about 80 days.

Acta Orthopaedica

This week, the same team returned to the island to resume the work, which involves picking up regurgitated balls of fish bones, then studying the material to determine the diet of the birds.

The New York Times

Ground ball to short?

The New York Times - Sports

Three additional markers were fixed non-linearly on the ball to detect the center of the ball, this excludes contributions of ball spin to ball release speed.

BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Instead of using the phrase "balls to bone", which is grammatically incorrect and lacks established usage, consider more standard expressions like "nerves of steel" or "unwavering commitment" to convey courage, determination, or intensity.

Common error

Avoid directly translating or creating phrases based on assumed meanings. While "balls" and "bone" may individually suggest strength or core, combining them in this way doesn't create a recognized idiom. Stick to established phrases for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "balls to bone" doesn't have a defined grammatical function because it is not a recognized expression in English. Therefore, Ludwig AI considers the phrase to be incorrect.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "balls to bone" is not considered correct or appropriate in written English, according to Ludwig AI. It lacks established usage and grammatical validity. If you intend to convey courage, strength, or determination, it's best to use recognized idioms such as "nerves of steel", "unwavering commitment", or "stick to your guns". This ensures clarity and avoids potential misinterpretations. Therefore, avoid using "balls to bone" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Nerves of steel

Focuses on composure and bravery under pressure, a common figurative meaning, moving away from the literal.

Gut feeling

Relates to instinctive courage and acting on intuition, indicating a strong internal drive.

Audacity to attempt

Emphasizes boldness and daring in undertaking something challenging, focusing on the courage to start.

Committed wholeheartedly

Highlights dedication and complete investment, reflecting a strong drive or passion.

All-out effort

Indicates maximum exertion and energy, emphasizing intense action.

Implacable resolve

Conveys unwavering determination and firmness of purpose, focusing on commitment.

Go for broke

Signifies taking a significant risk with everything at stake, emphasizing a daring approach.

Leave it all on the field

Implies giving one's best effort until exhaustion, mainly used in sports contexts.

Take the plunge

Involves making a bold decision to start something new or risky, centering on a single decisive action.

Full throttle

Means operating at maximum speed or intensity, stressing high energy and momentum.

FAQs

Is the phrase "balls to bone" grammatically correct?

No, the phrase "balls to bone" is not grammatically correct or widely recognized in standard English. Consider using established idioms to express similar ideas.

What are some alternatives to "balls to bone" that convey a similar meaning?

You can use phrases like "nerves of steel", "gut feeling", or "unwavering commitment" depending on the specific context.

In what contexts might someone mistakenly use "balls to bone"?

Someone might mistakenly use "balls to bone" when trying to create a phrase that combines perceived strength (balls) with core or foundation (bone). However, this combination doesn't form a recognized idiom.

How can I ensure my writing is clear and grammatically sound when expressing ideas similar to "balls to bone"?

Always prioritize clarity and accuracy. Use established idioms and phrases to ensure your message is easily understood. Research or consult a grammar resource if unsure about a phrase's validity.