The phrase "chills to bone" refers to a feeling of extreme coldness that penetrates deep into one's bones. Phonetically, the word "chills" is spelled /tʃɪlz/ and the phrase "to bone" is spelled /tuː boʊn/. The "ch" sound in "chills" is represented by the phonetic symbol /tʃ/ and the long "i" sound is represented by the symbol /ɪ/. In "to bone," the long "o" sound is represented by /oʊ/ and the "n" sound is represented by /n/. Together, the phrase is pronounced as /tʃɪlz tuː boʊn/.
The phrase "chills to the bone" refers to an intense and deep sensation of coldness or fear that permeates one's entire being, literally reaching the deepest part of their bones. This idiom effectively describes an experience or feeling that is so chilling that it sends shivers throughout one's entire body, causing a profound and often unsettling reaction.
The phrase can be used in various contexts to describe physical as well as emotional or psychological experiences. On a physical level, "chills to the bone" indicates an extreme sensation of coldness that seeps into the very core of an individual, often resulting in visible goosebumps or involuntary bodily reactions such as trembling or shaking. It emphasizes the severity and intensity of the cold, likening it to a chilling sensation that penetrates deep within.
Metaphorically, "chills to the bone" can describe a feeling of extreme fear, terror, or unease that profoundly affects a person. It highlights the depth and seriousness of the emotion, comparing it to a shivering sensation that originates from the deepest part of one's inner being. This phrase effectively conveys the extent of the fear or discomfort one experiences, emphasizing its ability to reach the very essence of their being.
In summary, "chills to the bone" is an idiomatic expression used to depict a sensation of intense coldness or fear that permeates deeply and profoundly throughout an individual's physical or emotional being, defining an experience that resonates to the very core.