The English language is full of idioms that add color and depth to everyday speech. One such phrase is "flesh and blood" — a timeless expression that speaks to our humanity, emotions, and connections. In this post, we’ll explore the meaning, synonyms, usage, context, origin, and offer 5 example sentences to help you fully understand how to use flesh and blood in both casual and formal settings.
📖 What Does "Flesh and Blood" Mean?
The phrase "flesh and blood" has two primary meanings:
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Human Being – It refers to a living person, emphasizing the human body or mortality.
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Family/Relative – It is often used to describe someone who is related to you by blood, i.e., a family member.
This idiom highlights the physical and emotional realities of being human and is often used to express empathy, vulnerability, or familial ties.
🔁 Synonyms for "Flesh and Blood"
Depending on the context, here are some possible synonyms:
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Human being: mortal, person, individual, soul
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Family: kin, relative, next of kin, blood relation
Note: While these words may substitute in certain contexts, they don’t always capture the full emotional weight or idiomatic nuance of "flesh and blood."
🗣️ Usage and Context
"Flesh and blood" is often used in emotional or philosophical contexts. Common scenarios include:
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Expressing the limits of human endurance:
“He’s only flesh and blood — he couldn’t take any more pressure.” -
Emphasizing family connection:
“She couldn’t betray her own flesh and blood.” -
Contrasting humanity with artificiality or spirituality:
“This isn’t just a robot — it’s flesh and blood!”
🕰️ Origin of the Phrase
The expression "flesh and blood" has Biblical roots. It appears in multiple places in the Bible, notably in the New Testament, where it contrasts mortal humans with divine beings:
“Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God…”
— 1 Corinthians 15:50 (KJV)
The phrase has been in use since at least the 13th century and was also popularized in Shakespearean plays, including Hamlet and Othello, cementing its place in literary tradition.
✍️ 5 Example Sentences Using "Flesh and Blood"
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"I know he's a celebrity, but at the end of the day, he's still flesh and blood like the rest of us."
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"No one should turn their back on their own flesh and blood during tough times."
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"The soldiers, though brave, were only flesh and blood, not machines."
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"Seeing her child in pain was more than any flesh and blood could bear."
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"It's hard to believe he could betray his own flesh and blood for money."
✅ Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a writer, student, or English language learner, understanding idioms like "flesh and blood" can help you communicate more naturally and emotionally. This phrase carries centuries of meaning and remains relevant today in everything from literature to casual conversation.
👉 Pro Tip: Try using "flesh and blood" when you want to express human vulnerability or highlight close family ties. It adds depth and emotion to your language.