one's flesh and blood

The phrase one's flesh and blood is often used in English, but what does this idiom mean? When idioms are used in the right situations, they strengthen communication and enrich the language. You can communicate more effectively by learning the meaning of one's flesh and blood.

Meaning of "one's flesh and blood"

Meaning

The idiom ‘one’s flesh and blood’ is used to refer to close family members, typically children or grandchildren. It is used to express the idea that these family members are deeply connected to the person speaking, and therefore deserving of their loyalty, love, and protection.

Etymology

The origin of this phrase is somewhat uncertain, but it is believed to date back several centuries. One possible origin is in a line from the King James Bible, where the phrase “flesh and blood” is used to refer to familial love and loyalty: “For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.” (Matthew 12:50). It is likely that the phrase was adopted and adapted to the English vernacular to refer to one’s immediate family.

Usage

This phrase is typically used to express a deep and abiding love and commitment to close family members. It is often said as a way of expressing parental love, loyalty, and protection for one’s children. It can also be used to describe the close bond among siblings or other close family relations. It is typically used in everyday conversation, as well as in more formal contexts, like public speeches or legal documents.

Example Sentences

• "I would do anything to protect my flesh and blood."
• "My sister is my flesh and blood and I love her unconditionally."
• "My children are my flesh and blood and I will always be there for them."
• "We must protect our own flesh and blood, no matter what."

The Global Spread of English Idioms

As English has become a global language, its idioms have spread far beyond the borders of the UK and USA. For instance, the idiom "beat around the bush" has equivalents in many other languages, such as "tourner autour du pot" in French and "dar vueltas al asunto" in Spanish. Meanwhile, other idioms have been adapted for local contexts, such as the Russian idiom "?? ???? ???????" (ne svoya rubashka), which translates to "not one's own shirt," meaning to be in an uncomfortable or unfamiliar situation.