How can I undersatand the difference between the two words if,for example, they both modify a fan ( a dyed-in-the-wool fan vs a hardboiled fan). Is there any differenece between these adjectives when used in other contexts.
Thank you.
Hard-boiled means callous, unsentimental.
Dyed-in-the-wool means avid. Wiktionary says The expression “dyed in the wool” refers to a state of steadfastness, especially with respect to one’s political, religious or social beliefs.
Perhaps a better choice would be hard-core fan, avid fan, or diehard fan. Dyed-in-the-wool is ok too. But not hard-boiled, unless the fan is an egghead!