to the core

phrase

: in a very complete or extreme way
used for emphasis
He is patriotic to the core.
Her family is English to the core.
He's rotten to the core.
They were shaken to the core.

Examples of to the core 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.
That ability to create artistic bridges cuts to the core of who Richetts is an artist. Michael James Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“To the core.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/to%20the%20core. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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