pound of flesh
Meaning: A (figuratively) painful payment of a debt.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Category: Daily Life
Origin: The expression originates from Shakespeare's play The Merchant of Venice in which Antonio borrows money from Shylock, the Jewish money lender, promising to pay it back when his ships arrive. When Antonio learns that his ships have sunk at sea, Shylock demands payment in the form of one pound of Antonio's flesh.
More idioms — Daily Life
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- pull something off — To accomplish something that had appeared difficult to finish or achieve.
- pull strings — To use one's influence.
- pull the wool over someone's eyes — To deceive or fool someone.
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More English idioms
- pull the rug out from under someone — To abruptly ruin someone's plans or expectations.
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- raise cain — To cause a disturbance, often because one is extremely angry; to make trouble.
- rake someone raked over the coals — To reprimand or criticize someone harshly.
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