ounce of flesh

USAGE SUMMARY

'ounce of flesh' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to refer to someone demanding their due, usually by taking a part of something that is rightfully theirs. For example, you might say "He demanded an ounce of flesh from the company as compensation for the losses caused by their mistake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Voracious gossip mags and ad men strip every ounce of flesh from brands Brangelina and Beckham, but do they have an appetite for RussKat?

Independent

One of Dr F's assistants even reckons that, regardless of the Reviber's toning capabilities, the trauma of feeling every ounce of flesh on your body wobble at high speed is enough to steer you off the pudding menu for life.

Independent

"He's going to start on the most painful spot," the client, Rich Hilfiger, said with a smile as the tattooist held the gun aloft, staring intently and grasping an ounce of flesh between the shoulder and collarbone.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Your broker will also extract a few ounces of flesh by requiring that some of the collateral you put up to hold the contract take the form of a margin deposit on which the broker, not you, collects the interest.

Forbes

The over-Lords pay well but demand every ounce of your flesh and blood" (36).

Columbia University

"There's not an ounce of spare flesh on him, and he's quiet to the point of being diffident.

The New York Times - Sports

They had been to Lane and Oberlin, they knew their Hebrew and their Greek, but there wasn't an ounce of spare flesh on any of them.

The New Yorker

The nature of the trek was soon revealed: five days through a landscape of fabulous mountain panoramas populated by people with not an ounce of spare flesh on them.

The Guardian - Travel

So, Grandma Ignatia said, I married instead a man who hadn't an ounce of spare flesh, a man who hated the color blue and never wore it, a man whose sisters liked me.

The New Yorker

One is the naked coal miner, hundreds of feet underground, his muscled body exposed in the murky light: "Nearly all of them have the most noble bodies; wide shoulders tapering to slender supple waists, and small pronounced buttocks and sinewy thighs, with not an ounce of waste flesh anywhere".

The Guardian - Books

COSTARD My sweet ounce of man's flesh, my incony Jew! Now will I look to his remuneration.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the impact and formality. Because of its origins in Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice", the phrase can sound quite dramatic and literary, so use it judiciously in less formal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "ounce of flesh" in situations where a simple request or negotiation is taking place. This phrase carries a strong connotation of exacting a debt with little mercy, so its intensity might be disproportionate to the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ounce of flesh" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically used as a noun phrase. It refers to the act of demanding strict repayment of a debt or exacting a penalty, often with a sense of ruthlessness. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ounce of flesh" is an idiomatic phrase derived from Shakespeare, used to describe the act of demanding strict repayment or exacting a penalty. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, though its usage is rare. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Academia, with a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, consider its origins and ensure that the level of intensity aligns with the situation. Alternatives like "pound of flesh" can be used for greater emphasis, while "getting one's due" may be suitable for less intense scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pound of flesh

Refers to exacting a debt or retribution, often mercilessly; more intense than the original phrase.

something owed

More general term, indicates the existence of a debt or obligation without specifying the severity of exacting it.

strict repayment

Implies requiring complete and full return of something that was lent or due.

exacting a toll

Focuses on the act of imposing a burden or cost, usually for some privilege or access.

getting one's due

Centers on receiving what is deserved, whether positive or negative, but lacks the forceful imagery.

demanding satisfaction

Highlights the insistence on redressing a wrong or injury, often through compensation or punishment.

calling in a debt

Focuses on the act of requiring the repayment of a loan or obligation.

reaping the consequences

Emphasizes experiencing the results of one's actions, which may not always be actively demanded.

imposing a penalty

Highlights the act of enforcing a punishment for a violation or offense.

insisting on compensation

Focuses on the act of requiring payment or restitution for a loss or injury.

FAQs

How did the expression "ounce of flesh" originate?

The expression "ounce of flesh" comes from Shakespeare's play "The Merchant of Venice", where Shylock demands a pound of flesh as payment for a debt. Over time, the phrase has evolved to represent exacting a debt or demanding one's due, even if it seems merciless.

Is "pound of flesh" or "ounce of flesh" more common?

"Pound of flesh" is the more common and widely recognized expression, due to its prominence in Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice". "Ounce of flesh" is a less frequent, albeit valid, variation that carries a similar meaning.

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

You can use "ounce of flesh" to describe a situation where someone is demanding their due or exacting a penalty. For example: "The company demanded an "ounce of flesh" from its suppliers to make up for lost profits."

What are some alternative phrases to "ounce of flesh" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "pound of flesh" (for a more severe demand), "strict repayment", or "getting one's due" (for a less intense demand).