PhrasesHub

Pound of flesh

    Definitions

      • insistence on getting what is owed, even at great cost
        Emphasize the extreme determination to obtain retribution or payment, often at the expense of the debtor

      • unreasonable or excessive demand
        Highlight a request or demand that is unfair, excessive, or unreasonably harsh

    Examples of Pound of flesh

    • In Shakespeare's play "The Merchant of Venice," the character Shylock demands a "pound of flesh" as collateral for a loan he has given to the merchant Antonio.

      The idiom "pound of flesh" here refers to an excessive and extreme demand, as Shylock's request goes beyond the value of the loan and becomes a cruel and vengeful demand for a physical injury.

    • When the CEO demanded a "pound of flesh" from the sales team, they knew it meant they would have to work overtime and weekends to meet an impossible quota.

      In this context, "pound of flesh" refers to an excessive and difficult demand, as the CEO is asking the sales team to work long hours beyond what is expected or reasonable.

    • The detective knew that the witness was withholding crucial information, and he put a lot of pressure on her, demanding a "pound of flesh" before she would cooperate.

      Here, "pound of flesh" is used metaphorically to describe a request for something that is disproportionate or excessive, as the detective is asking the witness to provide more information than she is willing to share.

    • The coach was a tough taskmaster, and he demanded a "pound of flesh" from his basketball team, pushing them to their limits in practice and games.

      "Pound of flesh" is used in this context to refer to an extreme or excessive demand, as the coach is asking his team to put in a lot of effort and sacrifices to succeed.

    • The judge demanded a pound of flesh from the defendant as a form of punishment for his crimes.

      This idiom is used to describe someone demanding severe or excessive punishment or restitution for a wrong or offense committed, as if they are exacting revenge by literally taking a pound of flesh, which originated from William Shakespeare's play "Merchant of Venice".

    • My boss has been asking for a pound of flesh in the form of overtime work, without any additional compensation.

      This idiom is used to describe someone's unreasonable demands or expectations, particularly when they are asking for something beyond what is necessary or reasonable, as if they are extracting a literal pound of flesh, which can be interpreted figuratively to depict a burden or hardship.

    • The generous donor pledged a pound of flesh in support of the charity's cause, hoping to make a significant difference.

      This idiom is used to describe an individual's willingness to provide a substantial or significant contribution, usually in terms of resources, time, or money, which can be interpreted figuratively to mean a major contribution, as though they are literally providing a pound of flesh, which is a metaphorical representation of a large, meaningful contribution.

    • The manager insisted on a pound of flesh as a prerequisite for the team's promotion, despite their high level of performance.

      This idiom is used to describe someone's demand for an excessive or unreasonable requirement to be fulfilled, as if they are extracting a literal pound of flesh, which can be interpreted figuratively to mean an unrealistic or unjustifiable condition or expectation.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "pound of flesh" is often used to convey the idea of someone demanding something from another person, regardless of the cost or consequences. It can also signify an unreasonable or excessive demand that is being made.

    In literature and everyday conversations, this idiom is commonly used to emphasize the extreme lengths to which someone is willing to go to get what they want, even if it means causing harm or suffering to the other person. It is also used to highlight requests or demands that are unfair, unreasonably harsh, or inconsiderate. Overall, the idiom "pound of flesh" serves as a powerful and vivid expression of relentless insistence or unreasonable demands.

    Origin of "Pound of flesh"

    The origin of the idiom "pound of flesh" can be traced back to William Shakespeare's play "The Merchant of Venice," where it is famously used in the context of a controversial bond between the characters Shylock and Antonio. In the play, Shylock insists on a literal "pound of flesh" as payment for a debt owed to him by Antonio. This demand reflects Shylock's vengeful and unforgiving nature, and it has since become a well-known symbol of extreme insistence and retribution.

    The idiom has since become a part of the English language, used to convey the idea of an unyielding demand or insistence, often at great cost to the person being demanded of. It has been widely referenced in literature, movies, and everyday conversations, solidifying its place as a powerful and enduring expression.