1. pound of flesh - Noun
2. pound of flesh - Phrase
pound of flesh (plural pounds of flesh)
(idiomatic) Something which is owed and which will be hurtful or difficult to provide; a debt owed to someone who is merciless and demanding.
During the meeting, Opposition MPs Karol Aquilina and Carm Mifsud Bonnici said they were not after the proverbial pound of flesh, but at the same time said that failing to take any action at all would set a “precedent”. Source: Internet
In it, Portia successfully argues that Antonio does indeed owe Shylock a pound of flesh, a sentence which is actually carried out (Antonio's heart is cut out and given to Shylock). Source: Internet
However, Shylock adamantly refuses any compensations and insists on the pound of flesh. Source: Internet
The Northern Bourgeoisie and the Yoruba Bourgeoisie have exacted their pound of flesh from the Igbos. Source: Internet
But now this is a fait accompli—the pound of flesh to bring around the Maoists. Source: Internet
Indeed, not many Nigerians have forgotten how those whose toes the former anti-graft czar stepped on, when they had the opportunity to take their pound of flesh, hunted and hounded him into a cold and lonely life in self-exile. Source: Internet