flesh and blood: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal to formal, depending on usage. The literal meaning is neutral; the figurative meaning regarding family is common in formal and literary contexts; referring to human weakness is often literary.
Quick answer
What does “flesh and blood” mean?
Literally, the physical substance of a human being.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Literally, the physical substance of a human being; the body.
Figuratively, one's relatives or kin; human nature with its physical and emotional weaknesses; something tangible or real as opposed to abstract.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. The usage and frequency are nearly identical in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more literary or formal connotation in both varieties. The 'family' sense retains an emotional, somewhat traditional weight.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both dialects. It is a common, established idiom.
Grammar
How to Use “flesh and blood” in a Sentence
[possessive pronoun] + flesh and bloodbe + flesh and bloodof + flesh and bloodVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flesh and blood” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He's not a fictional hero; he's a flesh-and-blood person with flaws.
American English
- We need a flesh-and-blood expert, not just a manual.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used in HR or family business contexts to discuss nepotism ('You can't just hire your own flesh and blood.').
Academic
Used in literature, philosophy, or theology to discuss human nature, embodiment, or familial bonds.
Everyday
Common in discussions about family relationships and human fallibility ('I'm only flesh and blood; I make mistakes.').
Technical
Not used in technical fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “flesh and blood”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “flesh and blood”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flesh and blood”
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'He is a flesh and blood'). Incorrect: 'They are my fleshes and bloods.'
- Confusing the idiom with the literal meaning in context.
- Misspelling as 'flash and blood'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it has three main uses: 1) literal physical body, 2) relatives (often with 'own'), and 3) to mean 'real' or 'human' (as a hyphenated adjective).
They are synonyms, but 'flesh and blood' is more emotional and idiomatic. 'Blood relative' is more neutral and legal.
No, it is a fixed, uncountable phrase. You cannot say 'fleshes and bloods'.
Yes, when hyphenated it functions as an adjective meaning 'real', 'actual', or 'living', as opposed to fictional, abstract, or mechanical.
Literally, the physical substance of a human being.
Flesh and blood is usually informal to formal, depending on usage. the literal meaning is neutral; the figurative meaning regarding family is common in formal and literary contexts; referring to human weakness is often literary. in register.
Flesh and blood: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfleʃ ən ˈblʌd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌfleʃ ən ˈblʌd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “be flesh and blood (used to express human limitations)”
- “one's own flesh and blood”
- “flesh-and-blood (adj.)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'family tree'—the 'flesh and blood' are the living people on its branches, not just names.
Conceptual Metaphor
KINSHIP IS SHARED SUBSTANCE / HUMANITY IS PHYSICAL MATERIAL.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'flesh and blood' used to mean 'family'?