make no bones

phrase

: to be straightforward, unhesitating, or sure
makes no bones about the seriousness of the matter

Examples of make no bones in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Producer and star Johnson makes no bones about making those family appearances happen. — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 8 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1520, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of make no bones was in 1520

Rhymes for make no bones

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Browse Nearby Words

make no attempt
make no bones
make no bones about
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Cite this Entry

“Make no bones.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/make%20no%20bones. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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