Threadbare

Meaning

Threadbare describes something, typically fabric, that is so old and worn that the individual threads are visible, or it can refer to an idea or argument that is overused and lacks freshness.

Origin

Imagine a garment worn not just for seasons, but for generations, its rich surface rubbed away by countless movements and washes. The very threads, once hidden and protected, become exposed and visible—they are "bare." This vivid image gave birth to the phrase "threadbare" in the late 16th century, initially describing clothing so old and poor that the individual yarns were showing through the fabric. It was a stark visual shorthand for poverty and prolonged use. Over time, its meaning expanded beyond textiles, coming to represent anything that was worn out, exhausted, or even a concept so overused it lacked its original freshness and substance.

Examples

The old velvet armchair in the attic was threadbare from years of use, revealing the underlying fabric.
His argument about budget cuts was starting to sound threadbare, having been used repeatedly without offering new solutions.