Meaning & Analysis
Based on an archaic belief in humoral physiology, the literal meaning is that a person has the same constitutional temperament or disposition as another, as if their internal organs (their kidneys) were of the same make-up.
Insights
Shared Character or Type
The phrase primarily signifies a shared nature, character, or disposition. To be 'of the same kidney' means to be fundamentally alike in personality, outlook, or social class.
Peculiarity and Eccentricity
The variant 'of a strange kidney' is used to describe an individual who is peculiar, eccentric, or unconventional. It categorizes someone as an oddity or an outlier from the norm.
Innate Constitution
The expression implies an innate, deep-seated quality. The shared trait is not superficial but is considered part of one's fundamental constitution, as integral as an internal organ.
Group Identity and Allegiance
It often denotes belonging to a specific group, faction, or 'gang'. The shared 'kidney' suggests a common allegiance, worldview, or set of behaviors that binds individuals together.
Archaic Physiological Beliefs
The proverb is rooted in the ancient physiological belief, related to humorism, that the kidneys (along with the liver and spleen) were the seat of temperament and personality. This medically outdated concept survives in the idiom as a fossil of pre-modern psychology.
Social Categorization
The phrase functions as a powerful linguistic tool for social categorization. To label someone as being 'of the same kidney' is to instantly group them, applying a stereotype of shared character, class, or disposition, often with a judgmental connotation.
Literary and Psychological Insight
Shakespeare's use ('a man of my kidney') demonstrates its colloquial force in establishing a character's innate type or constitution. It reveals a deep-seated human tendency to classify people by fundamental 'types' rather than by individual actions.
Rhetorical Devices
Metaphor
The kidney is used as a metaphor for a person's core temperament or character, drawing on obsolete medical beliefs to create a powerful image of innate disposition.
Idiomatic Expression
The phrase is a classic idiom whose meaning is non-literal and culturally specific. Its power lies in its conventional understanding rather than the sum of its parts.
Metonymy
The use of 'kidney' to represent temperament is a form of metonymy, where an associated organ is used to stand in for an abstract quality (personality).
Transcription
Quotations
To pronounce all to be thieves to a man, except myself, of course, and those men . . that are of my own kidney.
Such Furiosos, I must confess, are of an odd kidney.
To be . . one of the same mould, gang, of the same kidney.
A man of a strange kidney.
If any such has got a Tutor of his own Kidney, he shall be sure to be ply'd o'the weak side.
Shakespeare Citations
Think of that—a man of my kidney . . that am as subject to heat as butter.
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
Used under CC BY-NC 3.0.