mountain of flesh

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mountain of flesh" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe a large and imposing physical presence, such as a large crowd of people. For example, "The audience was a mountain of flesh, clapping and cheering for the performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

AGAINST a pillar languishes an enormous mountain of flesh.

The New York Times - Travel

In photographs, her face, above the mountain of flesh, is curiously passive.

The Guardian

I walked into the locker room of my gym and nearly plowed into a mountain of flesh bending over a bench — naked.

The New York Times

The wheezing mountain of flesh on the sofa is Charlie, a reclusive online tutor suffering from congestive heart failure as he eats himself to death.

The New York Times

Her once handsome and sylphlike brother has become a mountain of flesh in a double-wide wheelchair, his jazz-pianist fingers bulging like bratwurst just before the skin splits.

The Economist

Michelangelo's greatest painting, finished in 1541, is a waterfall of bodies, a mountain of flesh, with male angels kissing one another while, down in hell, Minos, judge of the damned, allows himself to be expertly fellated by a snake.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Those swooped low over the bosom of black velvet dresses, revealing mountains of flesh.

The New York Times - Style

Even city beaches like Coney Island or Rockaway are considered déclassé with their mountains of flesh, noise and a sea full of fast-food detritus.

Independent

There was footage of the slaughtering crews from the Western Isles merrily wading in with their knives amid the mountains of flesh and innards fresh enough to warm your hands in, as weather-beaten veterans recalled in their evocative testimonies.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

You individually do not need machines or dynamite for moving mountains of flesh (friend or foe).

WikiHow

Only his pudgy, curiously delicate hands and feet and his mournful, hooded glass eyes hint at the human being trapped inside this mountain of diseased flesh.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mountain of flesh" when you want to create a vivid, and sometimes critical, image of a very large person. Be mindful of the potentially negative connotations.

Common error

Avoid using "mountain of flesh" in formal or professional writing where a more neutral and objective description of a person's size is needed. Opt for terms like "heavyset" or "large build" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mountain of flesh" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as a descriptive term for a person with a significantly large body size. It carries a strong visual image and is often employed for emphasis, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "mountain of flesh" is a vivid noun phrase used to describe a person of considerable size. While grammatically correct, as Ludwig AI points out, it carries strong and potentially negative connotations. Its usage is mostly found in news and media, where it serves to create a striking image. When writing, consider the impact of this phrase, as more neutral alternatives may be appropriate in formal settings. Therefore, be mindful of the context and tone when using "mountain of flesh", and opt for alternatives like "large physical mass" or "heavyset body" to avoid unintended offense.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

large physical mass

Focuses on the sheer size and physical presence, without the potentially negative connotations of "flesh".

overweight physique

Directly refers to the condition of being overweight, a more clinical description.

corpulent figure

Emphasizes a full-bodied and stout appearance, a more formal and somewhat archaic term.

massive frame

Highlights the overall size and structure of the body, emphasizing the skeletal aspect.

obese build

Uses a clinical term to describe a body type characterized by excessive fat accumulation.

portly stature

Suggests a dignified stoutness, often associated with older individuals.

heavyset body

A more neutral term indicating a body that is built with a significant amount of weight.

sizeable form

Highlights the considerable dimensions of the body.

excessive bulk

Focuses on the large mass and volume of the body, often with a negative implication.

heavy build

Indicates a body structure that carries a significant amount of weight, usually muscle and fat.

FAQs

How can I use "mountain of flesh" in a sentence?

You can use "mountain of flesh" to describe a person with a very large body size. For example, "Against a pillar languishes an enormous "mountain of flesh".

What are some alternatives to "mountain of flesh"?

Alternatives include "large physical mass", "overweight physique", or "corpulent figure", depending on the desired nuance and context.

Is "mountain of flesh" a polite way to describe someone?

No, "mountain of flesh" is generally not a polite or sensitive way to describe someone, as it can be seen as derogatory. It is better to use more neutral or positive language.

What is the difference between "mountain of flesh" and "heavy build"?

"Mountain of flesh" is a more exaggerated and potentially offensive description, while "heavy build" is a more neutral and objective way to describe someone's body type. "Heavy build" suggests a solid or sturdy physique without necessarily implying obesity.