Definition

Noun: 1. Bone and flesh: Literally refers to the physical bones and flesh of the body. 2. Blood relationship, kin, flesh and blood: Figuratively refers to one's own family members, especially those connected by the closest blood ties, such as parents, children, and siblings. It emphasizes an inseparable, intimate bond.

Usage Examples

• (After the accident, he only had soft tissue injuries; his bones and flesh remained intact.)
• (Father and son are flesh and blood; how can they hold a grudge against each other?)
• (In times of trouble, only your kin will truly help you.)

Advanced Usage

• "cốt nhục tương tàn" / "cốt nhục tương tàn": This idiom means "flesh and blood turning on each other" or "internecine strife." It describes a tragic conflict or fight among close family members.
  • Câu chuyện về cuộc cốt nhục tương tàn giành quyền thừa kế khiến ai cũng xót xa. (The story of the internecine strife over the inheritance made everyone feel sorrowful.)

Variants and Related Words

• Ruột thịt (noun): A very close synonym meaning "flesh and blood," "kin." It is slightly more common in modern daily speech than .
  • Họ coi nhau như người ruột thịt. (They consider each other family.)
• Thân thích (noun): Relatives, kin. This term has a broader scope and can include extended family, not just the closest blood relations.
• Máu mủ (noun): Literally "blood and pus," figuratively means "blood relations," emphasizing the shared biological essence. It is emotionally charged.
  • Tình máu mủ không thể chối bỏ. (The bond of blood cannot be denied.)

Synonyms

• Gia đình (noun): Family. This is a general term for family unit.
• Người thân (noun): Relatives, loved ones.
• Huyết thống (noun): Bloodline, blood relation.

Related Idioms

• Một giọt máu đào hơn ao nước lã: A proverb meaning "A drop of blood is worth more than a pond of plain water," highlighting the supreme value of blood relations.
• Chị ngã em nâng: An idiom describing sisters helping each other, illustrating solidarity among siblings (a type of relationship).

noun

1. Bone and flesh, (fig) blood relationship