Everyone knows that the Russian language is rich in stable constructions, the meaning of which remains an intractable mystery for foreigners, especially if their vocabulary is limited. A good example of such a speech turn is “to soar in the clouds”. Nevertheless, the meaning of phraseologism is easy to understand if one knows the history of its origin. So, where did it come from and in what situations is it customary to use it?
“Soar in the clouds”: the meaning of phraseology, its origin
This speech revolution today is successfully used not only in literary works, but also in colloquial speech. There are two versions of its origin, each of which has its supporters and opponents. So, if you adhere to the most popular theory, what is the meaning of the stable design "soar in the clouds"? The meaning of phraseology “to soar in empyreas” will help to solve this difficult riddle.
It's no secret that the inhabitants of Ancient Greece had their own ideas about the structure of the world, very different from modern ones. The ancient Greeks were convinced that the sun, moon and stars retain their position only thanks to the huge crystal spheres revolving around the earth that support them. The most distant of these spheres is located next to the mythical world inhabited by powerful gods who rule humanity. This world, in the view of the inhabitants of Ancient Greece, was called "empyros." Ordinary mortals could only dream of seeing him, and such dreams would never come true.
Refusal of false beliefs
Phraseologism “soar in empyrean” acquired its modern meaning only in the 15th century, when the studies of Nikolai Copernicus made it possible to completely refute the ideas about the structure of the universe described above. Significantly contributed to the progress and activities of the equally famous scientist Galileo Galilei.
Since then, “to soar in empireia” has meant surrendering to dreams of a pipe dream, giving vent to one’s imagination, and sincerely being mistaken. That is how the speech design “soar in the clouds” appeared, which has a similar meaning, because the empire is “the upper part of the sky”. Consequently, the age of phraseology is already several centuries.
Ancient Greek or Old Slavic?
Of course, linguists also offer another answer to the question of where the steady turn to “soar in the clouds” came from. The meaning of phraseologism remains the same, but its origin is associated with the old Slavic verb “vitati”. “To live, to dwell,” is the translation of this word, which in turn came from the Latin vita (life). The ancient Greeks are not mentioned at all in this version.
Which of the theories is correct, where did the mysterious phraseologism actually come from? The debate of linguists on this topic is still ongoing, but the first version has more supporters.
What does phraseologism mean?
So, what does the common speech construct “soar in the clouds” mean? The value of phraseologism suggests that it is used when it comes to an impractical person. It is this steady turnaround that first comes to mind for those who encounter people who are far from real life, who prefer to dream rather than act, passive. Most often, a negative meaning is put into this phrase, this is a rebuke that a person spends his time uselessly. Also, speech circulation can be used in an ironic sense.
This phraseology is successfully used in relation to representatives of all age groups. For example, we can say that the child is in the clouds in the lesson, implying that he does not listen to the teacher, preferring to immerse himself in his own fantasies. Often they say so about adults, divorced from reality, living in their dreams. The phraseologism is also used in the case when someone wants to complain about someone else's or their own absent-mindedness.
Cheat
Obviously, to indulge in dreams from time to time is common to many people living in our time, including those who are very difficult to blame for being isolated from reality. It is believed that “hovering in the clouds” is the phrase most appropriate in cases where a person not only fantasizes, but is also under the power of self-deception, dreams of what cannot become a reality.
It is also worth considering that speech circulation, which has remained popular for several centuries, has nothing to do with real flights, airplanes. This refers to a flight of fantasy and nothing else.
What are synonyms
Above, it is described in detail about what phraseological means “soar in the clouds” means. The synonym “build castles in the air” has absolutely the same meaning. It is also traditionally used, talking about a person who prefers to leave reality in their dreams, to imagine what will never happen in reality, to stay inactive.
What other well-known synonyms exist that can successfully replace this phraseological unit without the slightest damage to the meaning? The steady turnover of counting stars is another popular option. For example, he can be found in one of the works of Lermontov, which with his help makes readers understand that the hero spends time in idle dreams. Usually negative meaning is invested in it; it serves to reproach a person for doing nothing.
What other synonyms of the speech construct “soar in the clouds” are popular these days? A person can not only count stars, but also fly away into the clouds. He can also fly or soar in the clouds, soar or soar between heaven and earth, dream. The meaning will remain unchanged, so you can safely choose any of the above synonyms.
What else do you need to know
It should be borne in mind that the stable design “soar in the clouds” does not always have a negative meaning. From time to time, this speech circulation is used when speaking about creative personalities who are famous for their impracticality. This may not be a rebuke, but merely a statement of fact.