Wool, long before it is dyed. (Google Images)
A few weeks ago, I saw something written as died [sic] in the wool. That is, of course, incorrect.
(Hence the sic.)
The correct expression is dyed in the wool. Honestly I can’t believe I’m even having to explain this, but apparently dyed in the wool is too complicated for a few people out there.
So where does this phrase come from?
If wool is dyed before it is spun into thread, the color lasts and doesn’t fade.Fabrics that are dyed after they are woven into cloth don’t hold the long. for as long. As an expression, dyed in the wool means “Set in one’s ways; steadfast.” Examples of usage include: “President Barack Obama is a dyed in the wool Democrat.” and “Mitt Romney is a dyed in the wool Republican.”
Could you do one about hordes vs hoards? I saw ‘hoards of people’ in a blog post once. The only way you could have hoards of people is if you were collecting them in boxes.