A pound of flesh: something which is owed that is ruthlessly required to be paid back.
This of course derives from Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice, 1596. The insistence by Shylock of the payment of Antonio's flesh is the central plot device of the play:
SHYLOCK: "The pound of flesh which I demand of him Is deerely bought, 'tis mine, and I will haue it."
The figurative use of the phrase to refer to any lawful but nevertheless unreasonable recompense dates to the late 18Th century but now you can own your own pound of flesh to keep or give it away as payment to a overdue debt, perhaps.
This of course derives from Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice, 1596. The insistence by Shylock of the payment of Antonio's flesh is the central plot device of the play:
SHYLOCK: "The pound of flesh which I demand of him Is deerely bought, 'tis mine, and I will haue it."
The figurative use of the phrase to refer to any lawful but nevertheless unreasonable recompense dates to the late 18Th century but now you can own your own pound of flesh to keep or give it away as payment to a overdue debt, perhaps.
This handmade cast bronze paperweight in the shape of a mammalian heart is approximately 4.5" x 2.5" and weighs 1lb. Available at Barney's. US$135.00
No comments:
Post a Comment