Historical events often leave their indelible imprint, adding new steady momentum to the dictionary. Among them can be noted the expression "pass the red thread." In this article we will consider this phraseology. We will reveal the meaning, etymology, scope of application of this expression.
“Pass the red thread”: the meaning of phraseology
Perhaps many have known the interpretation of this expression since school time. Often in literature lessons you can hear the phrase "pass the red thread." The meaning of expression is the basis, something dominant, leading. Therefore, when talking about the work of writers, to highlight an important topic the author uses this rotation. For example, they can say that in the work of Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky, the theme of good and evil is a red thread. Or take Pushkin as a sample. So, it can be noted that in his work the theme of liberty, struggle and freedom is a red thread.
Where this expression came from, what events influenced it, we will learn further.
The history of the origin of sustainable collocations
There are two variants of events, due to which the expression “pass by a red thread” appeared. Both of them are connected with theft of state property. According to the first version, in Holland a canvas was stolen from the fleet, and in the 17-18 centuries, to prevent theft, it was decided to weave red threads into it. Thus, such a fabric meant that it was breech. Therefore, no one would buy such a canvas and, therefore, steal. This option is found in the school phraseological dictionary of M.I. Stepanova.
The next version is very similar to the first. The English fleet also had problems with the theft of state property, namely ropes. Therefore, it was decided in 1776 to weave a red thread into them. Yes, so that it was the main, pivotal. When removing it, the remaining ropes were dismissed, that is, they rendered the rope unusable, therefore this method of protection was reliable.
Thus, history shows that the red thread was the basis, the main one. Hence the meaning of the catch phrase.
The use of phraseology
The expression "pass by red thread" has become stable thanks to Johann Goethe. In 1809, he wrote the novel Selective Affinity. In it, the author mentioned the red thread used in the gear of the Royal Navy. There he talked about cunning ropes, that the red thread is the main thread, and attempts to remove it lead to damage to the entire rope.
Since Johann Goethe was a famous thinker and figure, his work quickly became known and popular. The statement about the red thread turned out to be winged. Moreover, the expression became stable among many peoples and appeared in different languages. It is used in the media, literature, school essays and other works in order to highlight the main topics and thoughts of someone else's work. In colloquial speech, it is less common.
Conclusion
Having examined the stable expression “pass by a red thread”, we learned that the main, leading, main points are noted in such a turn. Especially themes in creative works.
Turning to the history of the appearance of this phraseological unit, we found out what role the red threads played in shipping.
We also found out how the great naturalist and writer Johann Goethe contributed to the popularization of this expression.
The turnover we are considering is very popular in journalism and creative work. Therefore, it is worth knowing the meaning of such a common expression that at the crucial moment you do not fall into a trap. And the use of this phraseology in writing articles, essays, analysis of creativity will make work more vivid.