"Hang in the clouds": the meaning of phraseology, origin, synonyms

Everyone knows that the Russian language is rich in stable constructions, the meaning of which remains an intractable riddle for foreigners, especially if their vocabulary is limited. A clear example of such a speech turnover is "to wander in the clouds". The meaning of phraseology is nevertheless easy to understand if you know the history of its origin. So, where did it come from and in what situations it is customary to use it?

"Hanging in the clouds": the meaning of phraseology, its origin

This speech turnover is now successfully applied not only in literary works, but also in colloquial speech. There are two versions of its origin, each of which has its supporters and opponents. So, if we adhere to the most popular theory, what is the meaning of the stable design of "hanging in the clouds"? The meaning of the phraseology "in empyreanah to twist" will help to solve this difficult riddle.

It's no secret that the inhabitants of ancient Greece had their own ideas about the structure of the world, very different from modern ones. The ancient Greeks were convinced that the Sun, the Moon and the stars retain their position only thanks to the huge crystal spheres rotating around the Earth that support them. The most remote of such spheres is next to the mythical world inhabited by mighty gods governing humanity. This world in the representation of the inhabitants of ancient Greece was called "empyros". Simple mortals could only dream of seeing it, and such dreams were never to be realized.

Refusal of false beliefs

The phraseology "to live in empyrean" acquired its modern meaning only in the 15th century, when the research of Nicolaus Copernicus allowed to refute finally the ideas described above about the structure of the universe. Significantly contributed to the progress and activities of the equally famous scholar Galileo Galileo.

Since then, "to hang in empyrean" meant to indulge in dreams about the unrealizable, to give vent to their imagination, to sincerely err. This is how the speech structure "to float in the clouds" appeared, which has a similar meaning, because empyrean is the "upper part of the sky". Consequently, the age of phraseology has been several centuries.

Ancient Greek or Old Slavic?

Of course, linguists also offer another answer to the question of where the steady turn from "soaring in the clouds" came from. The meaning of phraseology remains the same, but its origin is associated with the Old Slavonic verb "vitati". "To live, to dwell" - so this word is translated, which in its turn comes from the Latin vita (life). The ancient Greeks in this version are not mentioned at all.

Which of the theories is correct, from where did the cryptic phraseology really come from? The debate of linguists devoted to this topic is still ongoing, but the first version has more supporters.

What does phraseology mean?

So, what does the common speech structure mean "to hang in the clouds"? The meaning of phraseology indicates that it is used when it comes to an impractical person. It is this stable turnover that first comes to mind for those who encounter people who are far from real life, preferring to dream, not act, passive. Most often this phrase is invested in a negative sense, it is a reproach that a person without benefit spends his time. Speech circulation can also be used in an ironic sense.

This phraseology is successfully used in relation to representatives of all age groups. For example, you can say that the child is hovering in the clouds at the lesson, implying that he does not listen to the teacher, preferring to plunge into his own fantasies. Often they talk about adults who are separated from reality, living in their dreams. Used phraseology and in the event that someone wants to complain about someone else's or their own distractions.

Deceive

It is obvious that from time to time people who live in our times, including those who are very difficult to blame for being detached from reality, are indulging in dreams. It is believed that "winding in the clouds" - the phrase most appropriate in those cases where a person does not just fantasize, but is under the power of self-deception, dreams of what can not become a reality.

It should also be taken into account that the speech turnover, which has been popular for several centuries, has nothing to do with real flights or planes. It means the flight of fantasy and nothing else.

What synonyms exist

The above is a detailed description of what phraseology means "to wander in the clouds". The synonym for "building air locks" has absolutely the same meaning. He is also traditionally used when talking about a person who prefers to move away from reality into his dreams, to imagine something that will never happen in reality, to be inactive.

What other known synonyms exist that can be used to successfully replace this phraseology without the slightest detriment to the meaning? The stable turnover of "counting stars" is another popular option. For example, it can be found in one of the works of Lermontov, who with his help gives readers to understand that the hero spends time in idle dreams. Usually negative meaning is put into it, it serves to reproach a person for idleness.

What other synonyms of the speech structure "to hang in the clouds" are popular these days? A person can not only count the stars, but also be carried away to the clouds. He can also fly or soar in the clouds, or hover or soar between heaven and earth, dream. The meaning of this will remain unchanged, so you can safely choose any of the above synonyms.

What else do you need to know

It should be taken into account that the stable design of "hanging in the clouds" does not always have a negative connotation. From time to time, this speech turnover is used, speaking of creative personalities, who are famous for their impracticality. This may not be a reproach, but only a statement of fact.