ENGLISH
REFERENCE

one flesh

idiom
Meaning

Two people united by marriage.


Origin

disputed origin

A biblical phrase, found for example in versions of Genesis 2:24 and Mark 10:8.

Examples
SIMPLE

The couple became one flesh after their wedding ceremony.

CONTEXTUAL

They view their marriage as a sacred bond where two people become one flesh.

COMPLEX

Through decades of shared struggle and triumph, the couple truly became one flesh, moving through life as a single, inseparable entity.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    as best one can

    In the best possible way, given one's circumstances and abilities.

  2. 02

    as far as one knows

    To the best of one's knowledge, as far as someone knows or possible information to be gathered about the topic, subject, aspect, or situation.

  3. 03

    back to square one

    Located back at the start, as after a dead end or failure.

  4. 04

    beat as one

    To share the same feelings.

  5. 05

    become one flesh

    To join together in marriage; to develop a unifying bond as a result of marrying.

  6. 06

    bite off more than one can chew

    To try to do too much; to take on or attempt more than one is capable of doing.

  7. 07

    bite the big one

    To perform poorly; to fail.

  8. 08

    bite the hand that feeds one

    To cause harm to a benefactor (especially one that one is dependent on, thus with the idea that this behaviour is self-damaging).

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