The origin, features of use and the meaning of phraseology "the horse did not roll"

The Russian language is rich in stable expressions, the origin of which remains a mystery. The meaning of phraseology "the horse did not roll" does not cause doubts, whereas the history of its appearance is still the subject of heated debates of linguists. What are the versions that explain the origin of this turn of speech, what is the meaning of it?

Value

The meaning of phraseology "the horse did not roll", as already said, is not a secret to anyone. This speech turnover comes to the aid of a person when he wants to talk about a matter that has not even begun yet. The first to use this steady speech circulation were Russian writers who created their works in the 17th century. However, only in the middle of the 19th century the expression took root in the literary language.

The meaning of phraseology "the horse did not roll" is interpreted by Dahl in his famous dictionary. The scientist defines the meaning of the speech turnover as "the matter has not been started." Linguists believe that the popularity of the expression is connected with the colorful image of a rope lying on the ground.

Features of use

It is important not only what it means "the horse was not lying yet". Interesting are the situations in which this speech turnover is traditionally used, the meaning invested in it. Most often the expression is used by a person who wants to reproach people for not having found time for important work. For example, it can be pronounced by the boss, who accuses the subordinate that he has not yet begun to perform the assigned task.

Of course, speech turnover is used not only at the time of reproach, there are other situations in which its utterance is actual. For example, a colorful phraseology can flip through in a speech of a man complaining about other difficult work for others, for which he can not take up his work.

"The horse did not roll": where did this expression come from

All of the above does not answer the question about the origin of the speech turnover. Linguists offer several versions, but none of them has ever been recognized as official. The most popular explanation is a mysterious peasant custom. It is believed that several centuries ago it was decided to let the horse lie around, and only then harness it. Supporters of the version argue that this made it possible to eliminate premature fatigue of the animal.

The meaning of phraseology "the horse did not roll around" fits perfectly into this theory, as the animal falls to the ground before starting work. Nevertheless, it does not correspond to the truth, because before hitching a horse, horse-breeders, on the contrary, diligently clean it. In addition, the beast will hardly take a reclining position, following the wishes of its owner.

Theory of Jerzy Lisowski

Jerzy Lisowski is one of those philologists who are very much occupied by the origin of the speech turnover "the horse did not roll around". The value of phraseology, according to the scientist, suggests that under the felony is meant the holocaust of a steed. The collusion (castration) of a horse makes it possible to turn it into a non-aggressive animal, obedient to the will of the master.

And here "felting"? Castration of horses has traditionally been the responsibility of village veterinarians who have not received a special education, who before this procedure poured them onto the ground, binding their legs. However, to take this fantastic version seriously Jerzy Lisowski's colleagues refuse, because the operation was conducted only once, and did not have a permanent character. Consequently, it is hardly possible to relate it to the business that has not yet begun. Moreover, it took some time before the newly-made gelding returned to its duties, right after the operation the horse could not be used as draft force.

Hypothesis Mokienko

Colleague Lisovsky Mokienko and does associate with the magic ritual the story of the expression "the horse did not roll around". The meaning of phraseology makes it possible to use it in describing any case not started, whereas Mokienko refers to a ritual that took place only when celebrating St. George's day.

What is the essence of the ritual? When the morning of the infamous St. George's Day came, the owners of horses allowed them to frolic in the grass. It was believed that the mare bathed in the dew gains unprecedented strength, becomes much more workable. Opponents of the theory, as in the case of the version of Lisovsky, object that animals will not obey the will of the owners, and Yuryev's day took place only once a year.

Horses and felt boots

It's no secret that in Russia there has never been a shortage of such products as felt boots. Natalia Mushkaterova is a historian who believes that this shoe is inextricably connected with a steady turnover "the horse did not roll around". The meaning and origin of phraseology really have to do with felt boots?

Proponents of the theory, proving its right to exist, argue that the valenka hanging traditionally began with a knee (sock), and not with parts such as the boot or heel. In fact, every article is not the first century, it's completely, so the truth of the version is very doubtful.

Away till dawn

Pagans, who worshiped an enormous number of gods, once practiced a very strange custom. If the owner of the horse was dying, the mare was erected on the funeral pyre along with his body. Of course, the horse was taken before that. Of course, such a ritual could not but arouse a suspicious attitude towards the horses of representatives of the human race. The animal was perceived by the pagans as a kind of guide to the next world, he was even often attributed demonic features. While bathing in the dew was perceived as a cleansing, which makes a horse not of danger to humans, it drives the demons away.

The ritual was traditionally held early in the morning, long before the dawn. With this time the meaning of phraseology "the horse has not yet fallen" is directly connected. " Initially, the term "far before dawn" was embedded in it, but gradually speech speech began to be used complaining about work that has not yet begun.

Interesting Facts

What else can you remember about the phraseology "the horse did not roll around", where did this expression come from in our language, because once it was not used? It is possible that the colorful speech circulation was borrowed by the inhabitants of Russia from their closest neighbors. For example, Ukrainians use a similar established expression, which in their interpretation sounds like "the cat has not yet married." Do not stand aside and the Belarusians, who say "cat did not lay a cat". Whereas the phraseology of the Poles sounds like "still in the forest".

Stable expressions, similar in meaning, are also present in the Russian language. For example, instead of mentioning an animal that did not have time to lie on the ground, a person can utter a speech revolution "and it's still there."