one flesh: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘one flesh’ mean?
The idiom "one flesh" refers to the biblical concept of marriage, where a man and a woman become united as one entity in a physical, emotional, and spiritual sense.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "sell one's body" means engaging in sexual activities in exchange for money. It is a euphemism for prostitution and implies the act of using one's body as a commodity for financial gain.
When someone says "press the flesh," it means getting out and meeting people personally.
The idiom "press the flesh" is a common phrase in American English. It is often used in a political context to describe the act of making physical contact with people, usually by shaking hands, to establish a connection or gain support.
The idiom *pound of flesh* refers to an unreasonable or extreme demand for repayment, often resulting in great harm or sacrifice to the person being asked to provide it.
The idiom "pound of flesh" is derived from William Shakespeare's play "The Merchant of Venice." In the play, a character named Shylock demands a pound of Antonio's flesh as payment for a loan.
The idiom "piece of someone" means to have a deep understanding or knowledge of someone's character or personality.
The idiom "on the same page" means to be in agreement or understanding about something.
The idiom *one and the same* means that two or more things or people are identical or indistinguishable from each other.
The idiom "one and only" means the unique or singular example of something or someone. It emphasizes that there is no other comparable or similar entity.
The idiom "one and all" means every single person or thing, without exception.
The idiom "one age with" means to be the same age as someone, usually used to describe a close friendship or relationship between people of the same age.
Mystical Unity
The idiom "one flesh" originates from biblical literature in the book of Genesis. It describes the profound bond between two individuals as they enter into marriage, becoming one entity both physically and emotionally.
In Genesis 2:24, it states, "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." This passage highlights the sacredness and permanence of the marital union, emphasizing the merging of two individuals into a united entity.
It is important to note that the idiom "one flesh" is not limited to the Christian tradition. Similar sentiments can be found in different cultures and religions, underscoring the significance of unity and oneness within a marital relationship.
Throughout history, the idiom "one flesh" has been utilized in literary and artistic contexts to evoke the deep connection between two individuals. Poems, novels, and plays have incorporated this idiom to convey the depth of love, intimacy, and emotional entwinement experienced by married partners.
In contemporary usage, the idiom "one flesh" is still employed to describe the unity and closeness between spouses. It metaphorically portrays a strong emotional and physical bond within a marriage or long-term committed relationship.
Overall, the idiom "one flesh" encapsulates the essence of marital unity and connection. It represents the merging of two individuals into a single entity, both physically and emotionally. This idiom continues to be used to convey the all-encompassing nature of a marital relationship, transcending cultural, religious, and historical boundaries.
Example usage
Examples:
- "After being married for many years, they have become one flesh." - "The husband and wife work together so well, it's as if they are one flesh." - "In a healthy relationship, couples feel like they are one flesh."
More "Marriage" idioms
