the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak
Word Rarity
Rare
Frequency: Zipf frequency 3.92 in modern English
62
Scrabble Score
35
Letters
3
Syllables
16
Unique Chars
Meaning
proverb
As much as one wishes to achieve something, the frailties of the human body often make it impossible. Sometimes extended to jocular or organizational referents.
Example Sentences
- "It’s obvious that when it comes to business vs government regulation the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."
- "I should have more willpower, but as the saying goes, “the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Thus, all too often, instead of going to waste, my leftovers go to “waist.”"
- "We are enjoying the aftermath of an all-grandkid weekend: fatigue, muscle cramps and a blue bucket filled with cicada shells by the back door. We will rebound shortly. Thanksgiving sounds about right. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak—especially when you are outnumbered 11 to two."
Etymology
From the Bible's account of Jesus' last night in Gethsemane. Matthew 26:41: Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Inflected Forms
Phrases
the spirit moves one
Frequently Paired Words
the spirit moves one