The meaning of the expression "silent sapa". Short study

For research, let us take an expression that we often use in speech, we understand its meaning, but from where it appeared, hardly anyone knows. If only a person is not specifically asked such a question or he is not a specialist in the field of linguistics.

"Quiet sap". The meaning of phraseology in Russian

When we want to say about someone that he acts sneakily, imperceptibly penetrates somewhere, performs work slowly, but persistently, then we use in the speech the expression "acting quietly."

Most often, a stable combination is used in the case when a person is given a negative characteristic, it is indicated on his propensity for actions that are undesirable for others. But, despite this, he commits them in secret, against the will of other people.

So, what kind of sapa does it mean in phraseology? And why is it quiet? Let's try to find answers to the questions posed by referring to information available in different sources.

The meanings of the word "sapa"

In Russian there are several meanings of the word "sapa".

Firstly, it is the name of the fish of the genus Chebaki. In German, a similar word means a kind of carp.

Secondly, in French, "sapa" means hoe, pickax - a tool for excavation.

The third meaning of the word came from Italian into French, and then into Russian. And it is closely related to the second meaning. Sapoy is called trench or trench. The word took root in military terminology. And this is not accidental. His birth is due to the soldiers who besieged the medieval castles. They were the first to use a quiet sap to get into the fortress of the enemy.

In some areas a snake is called a snake. This is the fourth meaning of the word.

What explanation to choose?

Of the four suggested meanings of the word "sapa", one must choose the one that most accurately approaches the disclosure of the meaning of a stable combination of "silent sap".

At first glance, it may seem that the name of a fish or snake is very suitable. After all, they are able to move silently, lead a way of life hidden from the eyes of a person.

But studies conducted by linguists have proved that the expression "silent sapa" has nothing to do with these values, but has a direct relationship to the second and third.

Historical reference

In military practice of the XVI-XIX centuries, a special method was used for laying tunnels, trenches, and undermining. It was called "silent sapa". Flip-flops are another name for the same kind of engineering structures. It must be said that a swing (quiet) sapu was used during the Great Patriotic War.

Works quiet sap were conducted secretly from the enemy, without access to the surface. The work was very difficult, but the result was the battle won, thanks to the fact that it was possible to penetrate secretly into the rear of the enemy or destroy its fortifications along a tunnel that was laid.

After the invention of gunpowder, a quiet sap was used in order to lay bombs under the foundations of buildings or some other structures. A silent sap began to be dealt with by special people, who were called sappers.

In addition to a quiet sap, military engineers used a flying sap. Trench rummaged on the surface, but under cover from the enemy. It was installed in advance and was constructed from bags with earth, barrels and other improvised means.

If a large number of soldiers were used to dig the tunnels, the work was at least tedious, but not so exhausting. The final result could be obtained fairly quickly.

A group of small numbers quiet or volatile sapu did slowly, passing the same site several times.

The decision to use a quiet sapa by military commanders was rarely taken because of the laboriousness of the work. It was used only in cases where there was no other way to break the enemy's resistance.

The use of expression in modern language

So, initially about who such a quiet sapa was known only to the military. Expression was used only in direct meaning. That is, if they said "engaged in a quiet sap," then it meant that a person digs a tunnel, makes a secret digging. There was no other meaning.

It so happened that traveling in different languages and countries, the expression fell into the use of civilians. It is here that it acquired a figurative meaning, and its direct meaning was gradually forgotten.

Use the expression most often in a reprehensible sense. Acts quiet sapoy - this means, weaves intrigues, builds intrigues, prepares "digging". Surrounding people for the time being do not know about such behavior of a person and do not suspect about his true intentions.

In Russian, phraseological units are used as stable indivisible lexical units. Their meaning does not add up to the meaning of the words that make up them. But to study the history of the emergence of a stable combination is very useful. Thus we get acquainted with the history of peoples, reveal the mystery of the appearance of words.