flesh and blood
flesh and blood (metaphor)
/fleʃ ənd blʌd/
Meanings
- The phrase refers to immediate family members who share DNA, such as parents, siblings, and children.
- It emphasizes close biological kinship, often referred to as “flesh and blood.”
- It serves as a reminder of human nature, including inherent emotions and vulnerabilities.
- It may also highlight the physical body and its susceptibility to human weaknesses.
- Literally, it denotes the human body itself, composed of flesh and blood.
Synonyms: kin; relative; human; mortal; blood relation.
Example Sentences
- He treats his nephew with special care because he is his own flesh and blood.
- He’s my flesh and blood, so I couldn’t just stand by and watch him struggle.
- Even the strongest leaders are flesh and blood, capable of making mistakes.
- Don’t expect them to work without breaks; they’re only flesh and blood and need rest.
Origin and History
The phrase “flesh and blood” originates as a calque (loan translation) from the Latin phrase “caro et sanguis”, itself derived from the Koine Greek phrase “sarkos kai aimatos” (σάρξ καὶ αἷμα), meaning “flesh and blood”.
In Old English, it appeared as “flaesc and blod” in early biblical glosses, such as the Lindisfarne Gospels (c. 950 AD). The phrase encapsulates the tangible essence of human physicality, often contrasted with divine or metaphysical realms in religious contexts. Its etymology reflects a blend of Anglo-Saxon linguistic traditions and continental theological influences, particularly through biblical translations that shaped early English discourse.
Historical Evolution
Initially a literal reference to the human body, “flesh and blood” evolved into a versatile idiom signifying kinship, vulnerability, and shared humanity. Its earliest recorded use in English appears in partial biblical translations, such as the West Saxon Gospels (c. 990–1000 AD), where “flaesc and blod” translated key passages. The phrase gained prominence with the “Wycliffe Bible” (c. 1382–1395), the first complete English Bible, circulated in manuscript form. By the early modern period, its use expanded into secular literature, notably in Shakespeare’s works like “The Merchant of Venice” (c. 1596), where it underscores shared humanity: “Hath not a Jew eyes? … If you prick us, do we not bleed?” This shift, fueled by the rise of vernacular literature, cemented the phrase as a marker of familial bonds and human frailty.
Scholarly Theories and Interpretations
Scholars offer varied interpretations of “flesh and blood”, reflecting its theological and cultural significance. One perspective, rooted in biblical exegesis, views it as symbolizing human limitations, as in Matthew 16:17, where divine revelation surpasses “flesh and blood” understanding. Another interpretation emphasizes familial solidarity, evident in literary uses like Shakespeare’s “King Lear” (c. 1606), where familial betrayal invokes the phrase’s emotional weight. Some scholars, such as C.S. Lewis in “Letters to Malcolm”, see it as a critique of materialism, highlighting tensions between physical existence and spiritual aspirations. These views collectively position the phrase as a lens for exploring human corporeality versus transcendent ideals.
Geographic Origin
The phrase emerged in England, shaped by the development of Old English as a vernacular and the demand for biblical translations. Early medieval Britain, a hub for ecclesiastical scholarship, blended native Anglo-Saxon expressions like “flaesc and blod” with Latin and Greek influences from the Vulgate. Unlike similar phrases in other languages—e.g., French “chair et sang” or German “Fleisch und Blut”—the English form reflects a unique synthesis of local and continental traditions, driven by England’s role in early biblical translation.
Earliest Printed Record
The “Wycliffe Bible” (late 14th century), though in manuscript form, marks the phrase’s first appearance (in exact form) in a complete English Bible, translating passages like 1 Corinthians 15:50. The earliest printed record appears in “William Tyndale’s 1526 New Testament”, notably in Matthew 16:17:
“…flesh and blood have not opened unto thee that, but my father which is in heaven.”
Tyndale’s printed text, widely circulated during the Reformation, was pivotal in standardizing the phrase in English religious and cultural contexts.
Biblical Connection
“Flesh and blood” is deeply tied to biblical texts, appearing in passages like Matthew 16:17, 1 Corinthians 15:50, and Galatians 1:16. These verses use the phrase to denote human mortality and limitations, contrasting physical existence with divine knowledge or eternal life. Tyndale’s 1526 translation amplified its influence, embedding it in English religious discourse. While rooted in universal experiences of physicality, the phrase’s formalization through scripture gave it enduring theological and cultural resonance.
Cultural and Secular Expansion
Beyond its biblical origins, “flesh and blood” gained prominence in secular contexts during medieval and early modern England. Its use in vernacular literature, such as Chaucer’s “Canterbury Tales” (c. 1400) and Shakespeare’s plays, reflected emotional and relational authenticity, often tied to kinship. The phrase’s adaptability allowed it to resonate during social changes, like the Reformation and rising literacy. Today, it persists in expressions like “my own flesh and blood”, underscoring familial ties and shared humanity, transcending its religious roots to remain a vivid idiom in modern English.
Variants
- flesh-and-blood relative
- one’s own flesh and blood
Similar Idioms
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