Some persistent expressions appear due to the rituals of certain people carried out to achieve some goals. Someone has to stir up the water in the literal sense of these words. Then the same expression appears, but in allegorical meaning.
This article is devoted to the phraseology "stir up the water." We will explain it and tell how it appeared in our vocabulary.
Sustainable phrase meaning
To interpret the expression, let us turn to the large phraseological dictionary edited by Rosa T. V. The compiler of this publication cites the following meaning of the stable phrase we are considering: “confuse, mislead.” This is the definition of "stir up the water." Phraseologism means a bad thing, so it has a disapproving color. They are characterized by “muddy” people who, by cunning, deceit, and obfuscation of others, benefit, achieve their selfish goals.
An amazing and at the same time simple story is the origin of this expression. Let's look at it.
Origin history
What just did not come up with fishermen for more fishing luck! Once upon a time, in the good old days, the following ritual was practiced before fishing. The water where they were fishing was muddied. This was not accidental. Fishermen believed that in this way the fish would not see the nets and would fall into them. Such was the fishing savvy, cunning. Whether this method really worked, one can only guess.
Gradually, the expression "stir up the water" began to take on a different, negative meaning. Perhaps this is due to one fable of the ancient Greek poet Aesop. It told how one fisherman purposely muddied the water to annoy his neighbor. Since then, the expression we have been considering characterizes people who achieve their goals in an dishonest way, by entangling others, hiding some important points, lies.
Use expression
This phraseologism is often used in both literary and colloquial speech. Writers love to characterize “muddy” heroes with this expression. It can be found in the media.
It is in journalism that the expression "stir up water" is most often used. In particular, in publications devoted to politics, the work of banks, frauds, this phraseological unit is an excellent tool for describing unclean things and conveying the moods of people dissatisfied with this state of affairs. It is used in the call to stop deceiving others, to bring evil to people for personal gain.