flesh out

verb

1. (tr) to give substance to (an argument, description, etc)

2. (intr) to expand or become more substantial

Idioms and Phrases

Also, put flesh on the bones of. Give substance to, provide with details, amplify. For example, The editor told her to flesh out the story, or You need to put flesh on the bones of these characters. This metaphoric expression, alluding to clothing a nude body or adding flesh to a skeleton, was in the mid-1600s put simply as to flesh, the adverb out being added about two centuries later.

Example Sentences

Secondly, Keir Starmer and his European colleagues want to flesh out details of what they hope will be "ironclad" security guarantees - measures to protect and defend Ukraine in the event a peace deal is struck.

From BBC

Now, HBO’s “The Penguin,” fleshing out the origin story of the waddling, tuxedo-clad “gentleman mobster” after more than 80 years as one of the Caped Crusader’s best-known adversaries, has earned a staggering 24 Emmy nominations.

From Los Angeles Times

The spry assistance of stagehands, who not only move set pieces but help flesh out the world of the play, is a jaunty touch.

From Los Angeles Times

Within it was the deal US and UK officials have been putting together to flesh out a tariffs agreement struck last month.

From BBC

In a speech earlier, Badenoch sought to flesh out her party's approach to tackling illegal immigration.

From BBC

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