PhrasesHub

Flesh and blood

    Definitions

      • strong family bond
        Used to emphasize the deep connection and loyalty between family members, especially between parents and children or siblings.

      • human nature
        Refers to the basic physical and emotional qualities that make us human, such as our desires, needs, and limitations.

      • mortal life
        Used to refer to the fragility and vulnerability of human life, often in contrast to the eternal or divine nature of other beings or forces.

    Examples of Flesh and blood

    • Although Emily's job required her to communicate with hundreds of clients every day through emails, she never forgot the importance of meeting clients in person. She believed that a face-to-face meeting, where she could see the expressions and body language of her clients, was essential to fully understand their needs, as she put it, "The flesh and blood presence of a client is more valuable than their digital signature any day."

      In this example, the idiom "flesh and blood" is referring to the physical presence of a living, breathing person rather than just their digital presence or written communication. It's a metaphorical statement that emphasizes the importance of in-person interactions and the value of real, physical connections over digital ones.

    • Hopkins' dramatic play was a huge success, and despite its profound themes and thought-provoking dialogues, what really touched the hearts of the audience was the flesh and blood portrayal of the characters. The actors infused the characters with their own humanity, bringing them to life and making them relatable to the audience. This is what separates theater from just words on a page - the flesh and blood presence of the actors and their ability to connect with the audience on a visceral level.

      In this example, the idiom "flesh and blood" is emphasizing the connection and relatability of the characters to the audience. It's a metaphor for the fact that these characters were real, tangible, and human, which allowed the audience to connect with them on a deep and emotional level.

    • Despite all the negotiations and compromises they made, the deal finally fell through. James was disappointed but not surprised. He'd learned the hard way that, in business, flesh and blood relationships mattered less than the bottom line. He couldn't afford to get sentimental over a client or a partnership. He had to deal in cold, hard logic, not human emotions.

      In this example, the idiom "flesh and blood" is contrasted with the idea of logic and reason. The speaker is emphasizing that, in business, the value of a relationship is diminished to merely flesh and blood if it doesn't serve a practical purpose or contribute to the bottom line. The use of the idiom underscores the fact that in the cutthroat world of business, human relationships are often secondary to financial gain.

    • After years of struggling to make ends meet, Mary landed her dream job. It was a job that not only paid well but required her to travel extensively around the world. She was excited to explore new places, to meet new people, and to immerse herself in new cultures. But, after a few weeks of being away from her family, Mary began to miss the flesh and blood presence of her loved ones. She realized that, no matter how much money she earned or how many new experiences she had, there were some things that no amount of travel could replace - the warmth of a hug, the sound of a familiar voice, the smell of a home-cooked meal.

      In this example, the idiom "flesh and blood" is used to describe the value and importance of family and loved ones, even in the face of new experiences or opportunities. The use of the idiom underscores the fact that, no matter how far Mary traveled or how many new experiences she had, there were some things that still mattered more to her than all the riches in the world - the flesh and blood presence of her loved ones.

    • Despite being a successful business executive, Sarah prefers to spend time with her flesh and blood - her family.

      This idiom means that Sarah prioritizes her biological family over her professional success. It emphasizes the importance of family and blood relations over other relationships or accomplishments in life.

    • After years of hard work and dedication, Emily realized that money cannot buy happiness; it's only flesh and blood that can provide true joy and fulfillment.

      This idiom highlights the fact that the love and support of family and friends are crucial for happiness and fulfillment, rather than material wealth or success.

    • Despite their many differences, family is family - flesh and blood that's unbreakable by distance or time.

      This idiom emphasizes the strong, inherent bond between family members, irrespective of differences, location or passing of time. It signifies the importance of family ties and genetic relations.

    • As a mother, Kelly would do anything in her power to protect her flesh and blood.

      This idiom denotes a mother's strong bond with her children, emphasizing her instinctive need to safeguard and nurture her biological offspring. It underscores the deep affection and protectiveness that mothers have for their children.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "flesh and blood" is commonly used to express the strong bond and deep connection between family members. It highlights the idea that our family members are not just people we are related to by blood, but they are also a part of our very being. This meaning is often used in emotional contexts to convey the love and loyalty that exists within a family.

    Additionally, "flesh and blood" is also used to refer to human nature, encompassing both our physical and emotional qualities. It acknowledges our common humanity and the fact that we all share similar desires, needs, and limitations. This meaning is often used in a philosophical or introspective manner, reflecting on the essence of being human.

    Lastly, the idiom can also convey the idea of mortal life and the fragility of human existence. It serves as a reminder that we are all mortal beings with a limited time on this earth, and that we should cherish our time with loved ones. This meaning is often used in a reflective or somber tone, reminding us of our mortality and the importance of treasuring our relationships with others.

    Origin of "Flesh and blood"

    The origin of the idiom "flesh and blood" can be traced back to ancient Greek mythology, where the gods were believed to be made of immortal flesh and blood. In medieval times, the phrase was also used in religious contexts to refer to the human form of Jesus Christ, who was believed to be both fully human and fully divine.

    Over time, the idiom evolved to encompass a broader range of meanings, including the strong bond between family members and the idea of human nature and mortality. Its use in literature and everyday language has solidified its place as a common phrase that captures the essence of our humanity and the connections we share with others.