"Flesh and blood" is an idiomatic expression that refers to the human body or a person's physical existence. It depicts the tangible and mortal aspects of being human, emphasizing the physical nature and limitations of living organisms. The phrase is often used to contrast the material existence of individuals with spiritual or supernatural entities.
In a literal sense, "flesh and blood" relates to the physicality of human beings, encompassing the organs, tissues, and biological components that compose the human body. It emphasizes the reality of human existence as embodied creatures with physical needs, desires, and vulnerabilities. This idiom often emerges to underscore the vulnerability, mortality, and inherent limitations of human beings.
Figuratively, the expression "flesh and blood" refers to a person's family or relatives. It speaks to the intimate connectedness and the familial bond that exists among individuals, emphasizing the emotional and biological kinship that stems from shared ancestry or genetic inheritance. In this sense, "flesh and blood" recognizes the special connection and empathy that typically arises from shared familial ties.
Overall, the phrase "flesh and blood" encapsulates the physical, mortal, and earthly aspects of human existence while also acknowledging the emotional and familial connections that shape our lives. Whether taken literally or figuratively, it highlights the fundamental nature of being human and the intricate interplay of the biological, emotional, and social aspects that collectively define our shared humanity.
