Each of us has heard the well-known phraseology “not with a single foot”. Nonetheless, not everyone understands the significance of this popular wisdom. To find out if you interpret phraseology correctly, read this article.
Origin
Before we learn the meaning of phraseology “not with a tooth”, we will look at its origin. It is believed that the expression came from the fact that a person is so stupid and insane that he can’t even hit his opponent’s tooth. But to any decent man of the XIX century. you had to be able to stand up for yourself. Indeed, not only his reputation, but also the reputation of the whole family depended on his strength and agility. Over time, people improved the phrase and transformed it into simple four words. Why did this happen? Yes, because over time, people began to use their heads more often than physical strength.
Value
Today, in order to pass for an educated person, it is not necessary to be able to fight. Therefore, the meaning of phraseology “not with a tooth” is simple stupidity, and not physical slowness. Such phraseologism can be sent to the student teacher to retake the exam if the young man pulls out two tickets in a row and can not give an answer to any of them.
What does it mean “not with a tooth”? The meaning used in everyday life is as follows: a person in a certain sphere does not orient at all. For example, when a conversation about history comes in the company of friends and one of them cannot keep up the conversation. Lost in facts and terms, he shows those around him that he is not kicking a foot.
Examples of use in the literature
The meaning of phraseology “not with a single tooth” is best analyzed by examples. And where to get them, if not from classical literature. For example, Ertel wrote in The Gardeninas: “Therefore, my own son in Latin and Greek (leans on), and what is needed on a commercial case is not a foot in the tooth.”
Another example can be given from Sholokhov. In "Virgin Soil Upturned, " he wrote: - He began to ask about the contents of the book two days later, and I didn’t do it with my foot.
Synonymous phraseological units
The Russian language is rich in similar expressions. It is clear that the shades of meaning will be slightly different, but nevertheless, the idea that a person does not understand something can be conveyed not only with the phrase “not with a foot”. But how else can I say?
- looks in a book, sees a fig;
- understands how a pig in oranges;
- neither be, nor me, nor crow does not understand.
