cruel core

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cruel core" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a central or fundamental aspect of something that is harsh or unkind in nature. Example: "The novel explores the cruel core of human nature, revealing the darker impulses that drive people to commit unspeakable acts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

For such critics, Reagan's genius for cheering folk up had a cruel core.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

And in "Pumpgirl," Shawshank is an ex-con who charms people into overlooking his cruel and selfish core.

The New York Times

While Stan is cynical and profane, Parker still notes that there is an "underlying sweetness" to the character, and Time magazine described Stan and his friends as "sometimes cruel but with a core of innocence".

Wikipedia

While profane, and with a tendency to sometimes be cynical, Parker notes that there is still an "underlying sweetness" aspect to the child characters, and Time described the boys as "sometimes cruel but with a core of innocence".

Wikipedia

Parker notes that while Kyle is sometimes cynical and profane, there is an "underlying sweetness" to the character, and Time described Kyle and his friends as "sometimes cruel but with a core of innocence".

Wikipedia

We know it's all going to go Brian Jones in the end, but I Am Love director Luca Guadagnino has cruel fun allowing an excellent core cast (all of whom he has apparently asked to return in his forthcoming remake of Dario Argento's Suspiria) to spiral into ghastly self-destruction.

The Guardian - Film

Besides appetitive aggression as a core motivation for cruel behaviour, cannibalism in particular can have a considerable social and ritual significance.

BBC

Such a core value can start as cruel-to-be-kind ignoring homeless people on the streets to demanding universal housing.

Vice

Learning how to run a small business can help kids see how their core academic subjects aren't just cruel tortures inflicted by clueless adults.

Huffington Post

Realizing I had just been a cruel bitch who had given up her morals during her addiction, rattled me to the core.

Huffington Post

It's shockingly cruel in its austerity and the way it harms the young and poor in particular, but it also reveals Trump's core hypocrisy.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cruel core", ensure the context clearly establishes what entity or concept possesses this harsh essence. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "cruel core" in situations where the harshness is not genuinely profound. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cruel core" functions as a descriptive term, where the adjective "cruel" modifies the noun "core". It serves to highlight the harsh, unkind, or ruthless essence of something. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cruel core" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, albeit somewhat rare. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as a descriptive term, emphasizing the harsh or unkind essence of something. Its usage is most common in News & Media and Wiki contexts, with a neutral to formal register. While there are several semantically related alternatives, such as "heartless essence" or "callous center", the phrase "cruel core" carries a specific weight and emotional impact. Therefore, it is important to use the phrase judiciously and with a clear understanding of the context in order to maximize its effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heartless essence

Replaces "cruel" with "heartless", emphasizing a lack of empathy.

callous center

Substitutes "cruel" with "callous", focusing on indifference, and "core" with "center", a synonym.

ruthless heart

Replaces "cruel" with "ruthless", highlighting a lack of pity, and "core" with "heart", representing the central nature.

unfeeling nucleus

Replaces "cruel" with "unfeeling" and "core" with "nucleus", which is less common but conveys the central point.

brutal kernel

Emphasizes violence with "brutal", replacing "cruel", and uses "kernel" to signify the innermost part.

merciless interior

Replaces "cruel" with "merciless", suggesting a lack of compassion, and "core" with "interior".

severe foundation

Substitutes "cruel" with "severe", focusing on strictness, and "core" with "foundation", implying a base.

harsh reality

Moves away from a physical center to the idea of a difficult truth.

cold truth

Uses a more direct and common expression to convey a similar sentiment of harshness.

grim reality

Similar to "harsh reality", this evokes a sense of bleakness and severity.

FAQs

How can I use "cruel core" in a sentence?

You can use "cruel core" to describe the fundamental harshness or unkindness of something. For example, "The movie reveals the cruel core of ambition".

What are some alternatives to "cruel core"?

Alternatives include "heartless essence", "callous center", or "ruthless heart". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "cruel core" grammatically correct?

Yes, "cruel core" is grammatically correct. "Cruel" is an adjective modifying the noun "core".

In what contexts is "cruel core" most appropriate?

The phrase "cruel core" is most appropriate in contexts where you want to emphasize a fundamental and harsh aspect, such as in discussions of morality, character, or societal issues.