in person

Idioms  

1. Also, in the flesh. In one's physical presence, as in He applied for the job in person, or I couldn't believe it, but there she was, in the flesh. The first expression dates from the mid-1500s. The variant, from the 1300s, was long used to allude to the bodily resurrection of Jesus, but later acquired its looser meaning. Charles Dickens has it in Our Mutual Friend (1865): “The minutes passing on, and no Mrs. W. in the flesh appearing.”

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

in person

In some cases, families who initially identified a body from the screen withdrew their claims after seeing it in person, said Devendra Poudel, a local Red Cross volunteer.

From Barron's ● Aug. 30, 2026

He repeats that he’s going to pick up his mom, then concludes by inviting those watching to reach out to him to meet in person.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 27, 2026

An important consideration: It’s possible and, frankly, common for a client to authorize their attorney to accept a settlement over the phone or in person, in addition to in writing.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 26, 2026

A willowy, effervescent presence onstage, in video and in person, Dean pokes fun at herself often.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 26, 2026

The prince must go in person and perform the office of captain himself.

From "The Prince" by Niccolò Machiavelli

Related Words

• candidly
• honestly
• openly
• personally