Pound of flesh Meaning in English
expression
التعريف
A 'pound of flesh' is something that someone insists on having, even if it causes pain or difficulty to others; it refers to demanding something owed, no matter the cost.
الاستخدام والفروق الدقيقة
This phrase is always figurative—never about real flesh. Usually formal or literary, and often used when someone is being unreasonably demanding, especially about debt or revenge. Derived from Shakespeare's 'The Merchant of Venice'. Not used for everyday needs.
جمل نموذجية
The lender wanted his pound of flesh when the loan was not paid.
basic
He demanded his pound of flesh after being wronged at work.
basic
If you break the contract, the company will demand its pound of flesh.
basic
It may be legal, but asking for your pound of flesh isn't always fair.
natural
She refused to give him his pound of flesh, saying forgiveness was better than revenge.
natural
Everybody owes someone something, but not everyone demands a pound of flesh.
natural