About
“Just a flesh wound” (also “’tis but a scratch”) is a line said by the Monty Python and the Holy Grail character, the Black Knight, upon having his arms chopped off by King Arthur. According to Cleese, this scene is a polemic against the saying that “if you never give up, you can’t possibly lose”. [1] The phrase is often used when one denies their opponent’s advantage or downplays received damage. It often has an ironical meaning, like in the sketch, and is used when someone is obviously losing bad or was heavily hurt.
Spread and mutations
In video games
The Black Knight’s famous line is often referenced in video games, either in dialogues or in achievements:
- “Just a flesh wound” achievement in Rage [2]
- “’Tis but a flesh wound!” achievement in Dead Island. [3]
- A reference in Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney, where Ema comments Goodman’s death saying “It’s only a mere flesh wound”. [4]
- “Just a flesh wound” quest in World of Warcraft [5]
- An elite shout in Guild Wars [6]
- A quest in The Secret World [7]
On the Internet
On the internet the phrase is used often as a punchline or a final comment, like True Story. The most often used image is the one below, showing The Black Knight without one arm. Note that he says the famous line after losing his second arm, first he says “Tis but a scratch” and “Had worse”. [1]
Search interest
External References
[1]Wikipedia – Black Knight
[2]Xbox 360 Achievements – Just a flesh wound
[3]Xbox 360 Achievements – ’Tis but a flesh wound
[4]The Easter Egg Archive – Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Monty Python reference
[5]Wowhead – Just a flesh wound quest
[6]Guild Wars Wiki – It’s just a flesh wound
[7]Unfair.co – The Secret World: Just a flesh wound