English
Etymology
From the past participle of dye in the wool
Pronunciation
US: IPA|/daɪd ɪn ð� w�l/
Adjective
en-adj|pos=dyed-in-the-wool|more
- context|of textiles Dyed before being formed into cloth.
- context|idiom|figurative Firmly established in a person's beliefs or habits; deeply ingrained in the nature of a person or thing.
#: Smith was a dyed-in-the-wool typist and never really got used to writing on computers.
#: John Major was described by his opponents as a dyed-in-the-wool Conservative.
Translations
trans-top|Dyed before being formed into cloth
French: teint en laine
German: in der Wolle gefärbt
trans-mid
trans-bottom
trans-top|Firmly established in a person's beliefs or habits
German: waschecht
trans-mid
trans-bottom
Usage notes
The expression "dyed in the wool" refers to a state of steadfastness, especially with respect to one's Politics|political, Religion|religious or social beliefs. The expression comes from the fact that fabric can be dyed in a number of ways. The Weaving|woven fabric may be dyed after it is complete, or the threads may be dyed before they are woven. When a color is "dyed in the wool," the wool itself is dyed before being spun into threads, so the colour is least likely to fade or change.
vi:dyed-in-the-wool
zh:dyed-in-the-wool
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