The phrase "work oneself bone" means to work very hard or to the point of exhaustion. The IPA phonetic transcription for this phrase is wɜːk wʌnself bəʊn. The letter "w" represents the consonant sound at the beginning of "work", while "ɜː" represents the "er" sound in the same word. "ʌ" represents the short "u" sound in "oneself", and "əʊ" represents the diphthong in "bone". The spelling of this phrase is straightforward, with each word being spelled phonetically as it sounds.
The idiomatic expression "work oneself to the bone" refers to an individual's immense effort and dedication in completing a task, usually leading to physical exhaustion or mental strain. It implies an extraordinary level of commitment and perseverance to accomplish something, often beyond the typical or expected extent. This phrase emphasizes the intensity and thoroughness of the laborious undertaking.
When someone works themselves to the bone, they push their limits, investing copious amounts of time, energy, and resources to achieve their goals. The phrase signifies an individual's willingness to sacrifice their personal well-being, possibly neglecting their health and rest, in pursuit of excellence or fulfillment. The repetitive use of the word "bone" underscores the weariness and exhaustion that result from prolonged, demanding work.
This phrase is commonly used in contexts where individuals are described as working excessively or tirelessly to fulfill their professional obligations, personal aspirations, or to accomplish daunting tasks. It carries connotations of admirable dedication and ambition, but also helps to highlight the potential drawbacks of relentlessly toiling without adequate breaks or self-care.
Overall, working oneself to the bone implies an arduous labor that goes beyond ordinary effort, often accompanied by physical fatigue or mental strain due to a steadfast commitment towards achieving a specific objective.