Pound of flesh meaning

"The phrase pound of flesh refers to an extreme demand for payment or revenge."


Pound of flesh definitions

Word backwards dnuop fo hself
Part of speech The part of speech of the term "pound of flesh" is a noun phrase.
Syllabic division pound of flesh: pound-of-flesh
Plural The plural form of the phrase "pound of flesh" is "pounds of flesh."
Total letters 12
Vogais (3) o,u,e
Consonants (7) p,n,d,f,l,s,h

Pound of Flesh: An Exploration of a Controversial Concept

Pound of flesh is a term that originates from William Shakespeare's play "The Merchant of Venice." In the play, the character Shylock demands a pound of flesh as collateral for a loan that is not repaid on time. This seemingly brutal request speaks to the idea of exacting a severe punishment or revenge for a debt owed.

The Meaning Behind the Term

Metaphorically, a pound of flesh refers to an unreasonable or excessive demand for repayment or retribution. It symbolizes the desire for someone to suffer or pay a heavy price for their actions, often without consideration for mercy or fairness.

Legal Implications

In a legal context, the concept of a pound of flesh raises questions about the limits of justice and revenge. It highlights the tension between upholding the law and dispensing true justice, as well as the dangers of taking matters into one's own hands.

Social and Moral Connotations

On a broader societal level, the idea of demanding a pound of flesh raises ethical dilemmas about forgiveness, humanity, and empathy. It challenges individuals to consider the consequences of seeking uncompromising retribution and the importance of compassion in dealing with others.

Overall, the concept of a pound of flesh serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of human nature and the enduring struggle between vengeance and forgiveness. It prompts reflection on our capacity for empathy, understanding, and mercy in the face of conflict and wrongdoing.


Pound of flesh Examples

  1. Shylock demanded a pound of flesh from Antonio in Shakespeare's play, The Merchant of Venice.
  2. The debt collector was relentless in pursuing the debtor for every pound of flesh owed.
  3. The vengeful villain sought revenge by demanding a pound of flesh from his enemy.
  4. The ruthless landlord demanded a pound of flesh from the struggling tenant as payment.
  5. The greedy butcher always made sure to give customers exactly a pound of flesh when selling meat.
  6. The black market dealer demanded a pound of flesh as collateral for the illegal transaction.
  7. The mad scientist's experiment required a pound of flesh to be harvested from a living subject.
  8. The twisted serial killer kept a collection of pounds of flesh as trophies from his victims.
  9. In the ancient practice of bloodletting, healers would sometimes prescribe a pound of flesh to be removed.
  10. The cursed artifact exacted a terrible price, demanding a pound of flesh from anyone who possessed it.


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  • Updated 16/06/2024 - 19:01:22