What is the meaning of the phrase "cat cried"?

Phraseologisms are used quite often both in colloquial speech and in literature. Their meaning is usually known by sociable and fond of reading books people. Phraseologism "cat cried" - one of the most used.

It can be found both in colloquial and in written speech. Actively use this expression in fiction. The meaning of phraseology “a cat cried” is necessary for every smart, well-read and erudite person to know, as well as those who want to speak a beautiful and rich, figurative language. The meaning of winged phrases is important to know in our time, so as not to get into a stupid situation.

phraseology cat cried

What is persistent expression?

In order to understand the meaning of phraseology “the cat cried”, you need to know what this concept implies. So, phraseologisms are called stable expressions used in speech to give it expressiveness and dynamism. This allows you to reveal feelings more vividly, lively, catchy. A person who uses stable combinations in speech is quite often emotional and energetic.

Phraseologisms are widespread in Russian speech. Using winged phrases, the speaker can express his attitude to the subject of discussion more clearly than is allowed, for example, interjection. The main task of phraseologism is to motivate the listener, reader, interlocutor to empathy, the manifestation of similar feelings. The use of stable expressions to the place indicates a well-read and erudite person, a broad outlook and imaginative thinking.

The beginning of the use of phraseological units was laid by the famous academician Vinogradov, who began to study winged phrases. He wrote articles about them, works, essays, studied the origin, deciphered and interpreted their meanings.

Vinogradov made a huge contribution to linguistics. Today it is very difficult to imagine your life without these brief, accurate and useful expressions that can convey the feelings and sensations of a person with incredible accuracy.

For example, the phraseology “cat cried” is a vivid representative of his group. It has all the basic features: it has a stable meaning, does not allow the replacement of a word, is one member of a sentence, and is also reproduced in a finished form.

The cat wept for the meaning of phraseology in one word

The meaning of phraseology "cat cried" and examples of use in colloquial speech

The essence of this stable expression is simple to explain and understand. The phrase means something that is negligible.

In order to more accurately understand the meaning of phraseologism, and, most importantly, to learn how to use it and recognize it in speech, it is necessary to analyze the following examples:

  • "My cat cried for money!" - so a person says when there is very little money.
  • "The food we have left the cat cried, you need to go to the store and buy something!" - they say so when there is little food.
  • "The cat wept, there is absolutely nothing to read!" - This is an estimate of the number of books.

We can conclude that, basically, the expression "cat cried" determines the amount of something.

There are a lot of examples. In order to remember the meaning, you can try to start making such sentences yourself. The meaning of the phraseology “the cat cried” will be assimilated quickly if one begins to use this expression in speech.

Important note regarding written language. Since this stable expression is identical in meaning to the adverb "little", it is not isolated by commas.

Phraseologism cat cried out the meaning of origin

First version of occurrence

It says that it was invented either by zoologists or pet lovers. Rumor has it that when scientists studied cats and their behavior, they noticed that these elegant animals never cry, unlike other members of their class. From here came the expression, which means either a very small amount of something, or its complete absence - phraseology "the cat cried." The meaning, origin and use of the phrase are interconnected in the first version of the occurrence, therefore it is considered to be an official option.

The meaning of phraseology

Second version of occurrence

This variation in the history of the appearance of phraseologism does not inspire confidence in people, practically no one believes in it, because it sounds implausible, literally "far-fetched". However, the version exists and has the right to life. People claim that the phrase “cat cried” once came from the Arabic expression, which translates as “stop getting enough money.”

Apparently, the Arabs, whose flow of material goods suddenly shut off, saw a resemblance of themselves to crying animals. Hence the expression "the cat cried." True, according to this version, the meaning of phraseology is slightly different from the traditional. "Cat cried" means only a small amount of money. But since phraseology has always been used not only in relation to money, we can say that, most likely, this version is fictitious.

Synonymous expressions and words

Persistent phrases (phraseological units) always have antonyms and synonyms, this is their distinguishing feature. Typically, each expression can be matched with at least one antonym and synonym. It can be both sentences and one word. The "cat cried" is no exception. The meaning of phraseology in one word is "little."

In addition, the synonyms are "just nothing" and "a little bit." From identical expressions one can distinguish a stable turn "like a drop in the sea", which has the same meaning. In addition, the meaning of the phraseology “the cat cried” is also close with the following phrases: “with a gulkin’s nose”, “one-two and hesitated,” “more or less” and others.

Cat cried meaning

Antonymic expressions and words

The phraseologism “chickens don't peck”, which means a large amount of something, can be a contrast to the phrase. Usually this expression is used in relation to money, but recently it has found wider application. The word antonym is “many,” and the phrase that is opposite in meaning is “above the roof”.

The meaning of phraseology “cat cried” is not very difficult to understand and understand. You can make several sentences with an expression, it will be remembered.


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