First of all, it is worth noting that phraseological units are necessary components of the vocabulary of the Russian language. They have been used for many centuries and practically do not lose their essence, although they undergo some changes. But what is the meaning of the phrase “bow down”? Are there any other interesting idioms similar in meaning?
About phraseologisms
In the Russian language there are not only separate words describing the reality surrounding us, but also whole phrases. Such expressions consist of two words or more, which combine something into a single meaning. They create a stable figurative expression. It is these phrases called phraseological units.
To understand the importance of this unit of Russian vocabulary, you need to analyze the frequency of its use. For example, do you know the meaning of phraseology “hang noodles”? Everyone knows that this expression indicates a deception or deliberate misrepresentation of a person. It can be seen here that phraseological unit in its meaning does not follow from the semantics of each word that is in its composition.
Simply put, a phraseological phrase is a combination of words inherent in only one language, which can be determined by such signs:
- has a stable form;
- not determined by the meaning of the words contained in it, if we take them separately;
- often not translated verbatim, because that makes no sense (often foreigners have difficulty translating);
- adorns the tongue with a bright emotional coloring;
- often does not meet modern language standards, thus being grammatical archaisms.
Phraseologisms are specific turns of speech or, in other words, idioms that are so densely populated in colloquial and written speech that sometimes they are no longer noticed.
Bow down
The above expression means "to greet your superiors" or "to beg, to beg someone for something." Using this expression, one can emphasize respect for someone, recognition of his authority. The phrase also implies that people have different social status and that the asker addresses another person who is superior to the social ladder.
Another form of this phraseology is “bow to the mother’s feet”. Here her authority is recognized among children, her power. Previously, parents were addressed exclusively to “You” and only after bowing to the floor. It was especially important to do this when communicating with the mother who gave birth. Often, such phraseologism means the expression of gratitude from the children and deep respect.
This expression does not mean humiliation
Often, when you need to take time off from your bosses at work, you can hear the indignant "Yes, I won’t bow to his feet!" The use of this phraseology in this situation is not entirely true, and therefore a different, no less persistent expression has appeared: "To lie on your feet." It more conveys the meaning of humiliation in front of someone who is more suited to this situation.
But to give someone a “low bow” is, in essence, the same thing as coming to a person and “bowing at his feet”. This does not infringe on the inner self. Rather, on the contrary, it emphasizes a deep respect for someone.
We can say that the meaning of phraseology “bow down” has a deeper meaning than it might initially seem. So, often this phrase is decomposed into five meanings.
- Multiple inclination, repeatedly. For example, bow to images in the church.
- Humiliate yourself before anyone. A proud person does not bow at the feet of others.
- To worship. Bow to idols.
- Greet someone. “Bow to your feet” - say hello.
- Request. Putting bows. To beg, to beg.
In one form or another, phrases about a low bow are often found in Russian literature, regardless of whether it is modern or not. Surprisingly, even today, this phraseological unit does not lose its relevance.
What everyone knows
In the movie “Ivan Vasilyevich Changes the Profession”, beloved by millions of viewers, there is a scene when Tsar Ivan the Terrible and the clerk of the embassy order Feofan write a letter. The king dictates the following: “The heavenly village, the Monk Igumn Kozma. Tsar and Grand Duke of All Russia. Beats forehead. " After writing, they are filled with laughter. What made the king and clerk so laugh? What is behind the phrase “brow beats”? Is she a synonym for "bow to the feet"?
It is necessary to take into account the meaning of phraseology. The expression “brow beats” can be conveyed as a bow to the feet, a low bow. Such concepts are consonant with this phraseological unit:
- to ask;
- get on your knees;
- bow down;
- to pray;
- obey;
- say hello.
It seems that the difference between the two phraseologisms “brow hits” and “bow at the feet” is that the second has a deeper meaning, while the phrase used in the movie is more focused. At the moment, it is often used as a “volatile expression” - a phrase that has become famous thanks to a book, film, performance of a star or politician, and so on. But are the words of John Vasilyevich used correctly?
Brow beats
This formulation has Russian roots and goes back to those days when it was common to prostrate oneself in front of the tsar in Russia. Consider the meaning of the phrase verbatim.
What is a brow? In ancient times, this was the name of the human forehead. It turns out to beat the forehead - it’s a forehead to beat. And since it was customary to bow to the king to the very ground, then they banged against her forehead. Thus, the boyars showed gratitude to the sovereign or attracted his attention. Thanks to this, a new word appeared: the petition is a document read to the king and accompanied by a bow to the ground.
Tsar John Vasilievich
So what amused Tsar Ivan the Terrible and the clerk Theophanes? After parsing the phrase “the brow beats”, it is clear that the tsar’s humility to hegumen Kozma should be implied here. At that time, hegumen served in the Kirillo-Belozersky monastery. This situation occurred in September 1537, when Ivan the Terrible wrote a petition to the monastery.
Over time, it became one of the most famous documents of the 16th century. If you find it on the Internet, you can see that it is thoroughly saturated with sarcasm, which comes through from each phrase. This petition was not at all. Starting with self-derogatory words, Tsar Ivan the Terrible gradually turned to the essence of this letter - accusing the hegumen Kozma and his monastic brotherhood of ingratitude and violation of discipline. In this case, the phrase “brow beats” was the idea of punishment and indignation.
The one who received this “petition” from the very first lines felt all the aggression contained in its lines. And the phraseologism under consideration only strengthened the received impressions.
