The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak
the spirit is willing, but the/(one's) flesh is weak
One has the desire or intention to change do something beneficial, but one lacks the resolve or motivation to do it. Every year I resolve to eat better and do more exercise; and every year, inevitably, the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. We all know someone who has the best intentions in the world to get their lives on the right track, whose spirit is willing, but their flesh is weak.
See also: but, flesh, spirit, weak
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Prov. People cannot always do what they know they ought to do.; People are not always physically capable of doing what they are willing to do. (Biblical.) Alan: Have you started the diet your doctor recommended? Fred: The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.
See also: but, flesh, spirit, weak
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
- spirit is willing but the flesh is weak, the
- the spirit is willing
- the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
- the spirit is willing, but the/(one's) body is weak
- the spirit is willing, but the/(one's) flesh is weak
- back (one or oneself) into a corner
- back oneself into a corner
- backed
- backing
- get (one's) (own) house in order