to the core/ get to the core

[vil]

Dear teachers,

Would you tell me whether I am right about my interpretation of the expressions in bold in the following sentences?

Dick’s soul was troubled to the core. (R. Kipling, “The Light That Failed”)

If I but chose I could tell you something that would startle you to the very core. (A. J. Cronin, “Hatter’s Castle”)

He was a tough old Tory politician, patriotic to the core-and also, the nearer one got to the core, snobbish and callous. (C. P. Show, “Corridors of Power”)

to the core = completely, entirely, from beginning to end

get to the core = gain an intimate knowledge of

Thanks for your efforts.

Regards,

V

[apex2000]

In another thread I mentioned the use of core when it relates to, say, the earth's core. That is right or deep inside. And that is the meaning you need here; deep inside the person.