Surely you have noticed more than once that someone, talking about another person, calls him "smoking incense." What is incense and why is it smoked? What does such an expression mean and for whom can it be applied?
Incense Resin
For the first time the word "incense" appeared in ancient Greece. In those distant times, when the rulers were akin to the gods, they were not only praised, deified, and worshiped them in every way, but they were also fumigated. To create aromatic smoke, a special resin was used, which was somewhat reminiscent of church incense. With the help of this resin, an aromatic fire was created, which fumigated the throne of the ruler, the altar, bedchairs and even courtyards.
What is incense? For the ancient Greeks, this is a kind of praise of the lord with the help of incense. Very often, fumigations were accompanied by songs and poems in honor of the ruler, he was praised and honored in every possible way for no particular reason. Sincerity these praises, as they say, and "did not smell." But it was a sure way to curry favor, to show oneself, to advance in the eyes of the lord in front of others, to gain favor, etc.
Smoke incense
Knowing what incense is, the phrase “smoking incense” is probably already understood. This does not mean smoking as such. The meaning of the phrase is that someone “smokes” another. In other words, sneaks up and sucks.
- “I was amazed how this halo didn’t light up over Rogonostsev ’s head - he had so much incense, they had nothing to breathe ...
- “As I don’t go to the dressing room, Volodin only smokes incense before Semenych. He probably wants to beg the main role ... ".
- "To others I smoked incense ...".
As we have already noted, the phrase has nothing to do with cigars and cigarettes. It implies the fact that one person envelops another with a graceful, fragrant and pleasant smoke of flattery. Moreover, flattery can be both deserved and not. Most often, the first option is used. But the one who is “smoked with incense”, as a rule, cares little about his merits and the reasons that people praise him.
Synonyms for the word "incense" - excessive flattery, sneakiness, worship, praise. If this word is used in conversation, then it is probably a person who is undeservedly praised for one reason or another.
Smoke without fire
Such an expression can also be used next to the word "incense." What is the useless, causeless and stupid praise of someone? What is smoking in vain in front of an empty man? What is praising someone to heaven? These are various examples and interpretations of the word “incense”.