idioms involving “flesh”

Flesh and blood

Family to whom one owes loyalty

“Everyone was shocked when Kagawa-san fired his son-his own flesh and blood-because he skipped an important meeting.”

In the flesh

In real life, as opposed to on TV or a movie screen

“Tell me, Kurita-san, is the movie star as beautiful in the flesh as she is on the screen?”

Press the flesh

To shake hands with potential voters or supporters

“Sakura-san campaigned tirelessly; she handed out pamphlets and pressed the flesh until midnight at the political rally.”

Put the flesh on

To add substance or detail to

“Hori-san approved the concept so now we must put the flesh on the pitch for the ad campaign.”

Flesh out

To enhance or add to

“We all agree to the general outline for the five-year plan so let's meet on Monday to flesh it out.”