The Russian language is rich in stable expressions, the origin of which remains a mystery. The meaning of the phraseology “horse did not roll” is beyond doubt, while the history of its appearance is still the subject of heated debate by linguists. What versions exist that explain the occurrence of this turn of speech, what is the meaning of it?
Value
The meaning of phraseology “horse didn’t roll”, as already mentioned, is not a secret for anyone. This speech revolution comes to the aid of a person when he wants to talk about a case that has not even begun. The first to use this stable speech circulation was still Russian writers who created their works in the 17th century. However, only in the middle of the 19th century did expression take root in the literary language.
The meaning of phraseology “horse did not roll” is deciphered by Dahl in his famous dictionary. The scientist defines the meaning of speech circulation as "the business has not begun." Linguists believe that the popularity of the expression is associated with the colorful image of a horse lying on the ground.
Features of use
It’s important not only what it means “the horse hasn’t rolled yet”. There are also interesting situations in which this speech revolution is traditionally used, the meaning put into 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, a boss can pronounce him, accusing a subordinate of the fact that he did not proceed with the task.
Of course, speech circulation is used not only at the time of reproach, there are other situations in which its pronunciation is relevant. Say, colorful phraseologism can flash in the speech of a person complaining to other people about the difficult work ahead of him, for which he does not manage to undertake.
“The horse didn’t wallow”: where did this expression come from
All of the above does not answer the question about the origin of speech traffic. Linguists offer several versions, however, none of them was recognized as official. The most popular explanation is the mysterious peasant custom. It is believed that several centuries ago it was customary to allow the horse to roll, and only then harness it. Proponents of the version argue that this eliminated premature animal fatigue.
The meaning of phraseology “the horse did not roll” fits into this theory, as the animal falls to the ground before starting work. Nevertheless, it does not correspond to the truth, since before riding the horse, the horse breeders, on the contrary, carefully clean it. In addition, the beast is unlikely to take a lying position, following the wishes of its owner.
Theory of Jerzy Lisowski
Jerzy Lisowski is one of those philologists who are very interested in the origin of the speech turn "the horse did not lie." The value of phraseologism, according to the scientist, suggests that felting refers to the quenching of a horse. Frozen (castration) of the horse allows you to turn it into a non-aggressive animal, obedient to the will of the owner.
And then "felting"? Castration of horses has traditionally been the responsibility of village veterinarians who did not receive special education, who before this procedure drove them to the ground, be sure to tie their legs. However, the colleagues of Jerzy Lisowski refuse to take this fantastic version seriously because the operation was carried out only once, and did not have a permanent character. Consequently, it can hardly be connected with a business that has not yet begun. Moreover, some time passed before the newly-made gelding returned to fulfill its duties, immediately after the operation the horse could not be used as draft force.
Mokienko hypothesis
Mokienko’s colleague from Lisovsky associates the history of the expression “the horse did not roll” with magic ritual. The value of phraseology allows it to be used in the description of any case that has not been started, while Mokienko refers to the ritual that took place only at the celebration of St. George's Day.
What is the essence of the ritual? When the morning came of the infamous St. George's Day, the owners of the horses allowed them to frolic in the grass. It was believed that a mare bathed in dew gains unprecedented strength, becomes much more efficient. Opponents of the theory, as in the case of the Lisovsky version, object that the animals will not obey the will of the owners, and St. George's Day took place only once a year.
Horses and boots
It's no secret that in Russia there was never a shortage of such products as felt boots. Natalya Mushkaterova is a historian who believes that these shoes are inextricably linked with a stable “horse didn’t roll.” Does the meaning and origin of phraseology really relate to felt boots?
Proponents of the theory, proving its right to exist, argue that felting felt boots traditionally began with a horse (sock), and not with such parts as the boot or heel. In fact, every product has been lying around for a whole century, therefore the truth of the version is very doubtful.
Far before dawn
Pagans who worshiped a huge number of gods once practiced a very strange custom. If the owner of the horse was dying, the mare was erected on a funeral pyre with his body. Of course, the horse was taken to score before this. Of course, such a ritual could not but cause a suspicious attitude towards horses among representatives of the human race. The animal was perceived by the pagans as a kind of conductor to the next world, he often even attributed demonic features. While bathing in dew was perceived as a cleansing that makes the horse not dangerous to humans, it drives the demons away.
The ritual was traditionally held in the early morning, long before dawn. With this time, the meaning of phraseology “the horse has not yet lied” is directly connected. Initially, the meaning “far before dawn” was invested in it, but gradually they began to use speech circulation complaining about work that had not yet begun.
Interesting Facts
What else can be remembered about the phraseology “the horse did not roll”, 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, well-established expression, which in their interpretation sounds like "the cat has not yet married." Belarusians who say “the cat didn’t roll the cat” do not stand aside. Whereas the phraseological unit of the Poles sounds like "still in the forest."
Stable expressions, similar in meaning, are present in the Russian language. For example, instead of mentioning an animal that has not had time to lie on the ground, a person can utter a speech revolution "and things are still there."