I'm looking for a phrase or an idiom to describe one's deep-seated passion for something, such as archaeology, Renaissance art, organized charity, Greenpeace, or similar to the following
- Whatever makes you tick:
something that motivates someone; something that makes someone behave in a certain way (TFD)
E.g.,
Sailing and seamanship are _____________ for Bob.
Bob's _________ are sailing and seamanship.
Best Answer
'What makes you tick', 'What turns you on', etc is a fairly common phrase construct in English.
You can modify the words used for their appropriateness in the conext - for example you wouldn't use 'what turns you on' in a formal context as it has sexual connotations.
Here's some suggestions:
What makes you tick - Fairly neutral, a bit casual.
What turns you on - Has sexual connotations, but not necessarily so. For example musicians might use this.
What floats your boat/What fills your sails/What lifts your rocket/What seasons your steak - I'm making these up to demonstrate that anything 'What verbs your noun' generally works, but might get a funny look. These are playful and informal.
What motivates you - Formal.
What you are passionate about - Slightly less formal.