English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Pound of flesh
Meaning
The idiom "pound of flesh" is a metaphorical expression used to describe a situation where someone wants to get revenge for an injury or insult they suffered. It suggests that the person would be willing to sacrifice themselves or give up something valuable if it means getting justice for their grievance.
Usage
- When I found out my boss was spreading rumors about me, I knew I had to take action and get a pound of flesh.
- After years of being bullied by her classmates, the victim decided to fight back and get a pound of flesh.
- When his friend betrayed him and stole his money, the victim vowed to get a pound of flesh from the traitor.
- The athlete suffered an injury that caused him to miss the championship game, but he was determined to get a pound of flesh from his rival who was responsible for the injury.
- The victim was furious when her boss gave her colleague a promotion over her and decided to get a pound of flesh by quitting her job and starting her own business. The usage of the idiom "pound of flesh" can vary depending on the context, but it is generally used to describe a situation where someone wants to get revenge or retribution for an injury or insult they suffered. The person may be willing to sacrifice themselves or give up something valuable if it means getting justice for their grievance.
Roots and History
The idiom "pound of flesh" dates back to the Middle Ages when people would often receive compensation in the form of livestock or other tangible items. If someone wanted revenge, they might ask for a pound of flesh from their opponent, which was seen as a symbolic way of expressing their anger and desire for retribution. Over time, the idiom evolved to mean what it means today - a metaphorical expression for seeking justice or revenge.
Synonyms in English
- Blood money
- Justice
- Retribution
- Revenge
- Punishment
Synonyms in other languages
- French: Vengeance (vengance) - This is the most commonly used word for revenge in French, and it has a similar meaning to "pound of flesh" in English.
- Spanish: Castigo (castigo) - This word means punishment or retribution, and it can be used to describe both literal and metaphorical acts of justice.
- German: Strafe (strafe) - This word means punishment or retribution, and it is often used in a legal context to describe the consequences of breaking the law.
- Italian: Rappresaglia (rappresaglia) - This word has a similar meaning to "pound of flesh" in English, and it is often used to describe situations where someone wants to seek revenge for an injury or insult they suffered.
- Japanese: 迷毩 (moyakubi) - This phrase translates to "a pound of meat," and it is often used to describe a situation where someone wants to get revenge or retribution for a perceived wrongdoing.