You can praise a person sincerely, or you can, implying a mockery. In the area of our attention is the meaning of the phraseology “sing praises”. We will not ignore the history, tonality, as well as the context of use.
Origin
The Greeks had an ancient god - Dionysus (in ancient Rome he was called Bacchus). He was in charge of wines, but not sales, but growth, development, and harvest. Dionysus was also associated among the Greeks with the ancient chthonic power, symbolizing everything dark, terrible and unbridled in human nature.
The praises are praises in honor of Dionysus. They were sung by people at special holidays in honor of the god of winemaking, having previously paid tribute to the product itself.
Accordingly, the meaning of phraseology “sing praises” is to squander praise. The question immediately arises: is the person's encouragement in this case fair or not? About it further.
Tonality of expression
Usually in this way they speak of insincere, false praises. Such assessments of human behavior are given when they want to break the distance and penetrate the circle of trust. It is difficult to say why the praises (songs of praise) suddenly began to be perceived that way. Maybe because people, only after drinking wine, say good things, but without "doping" they cannot hear a good word from them ...
But sometimes they praise it not only because they have selfish goals, but simply to support a person. Consider two examples that will reveal both the traditional meaning of phraseology “sing praises”, and not quite classic.
Head and subordinate
They say the rich have their own quirks. But so can be said about the bosses. Imagine the situation: the head of the enterprise paints, and one of the employees wants to make a career. And he rightly thinks that if the boss is oiled with compliments, then the path will go up.
So, he enters the office and sees the next creation of the chef. Having gathered enough modest knowledge in painting into a fist, the subordinate begins to broadcast:
- Sergey Mikhailovich, what a wonderful palette, what a smear. What a peculiar manner of writing. Have you studied somewhere?
- Well, what are you, Artem Lvovich, I am an amateur.
- No, you are not an amateur, you are a child prodigy!
“Okay, stop scattering compliments.” What did you come with?
Then they solve production problems. And Artem Lvovich, leaving the office, grins: “And his picture is a daub of daubs.”
Next, we turn to the situation when the meaning of phraseology “sing praises” is filled with positive content.
Imperfect guitar playing and a grateful listener
Another graduation concert at a music school. Children are worried, their hands are shaking. In other words, everything is as always in this situation. A boy enters the stage and plays the guitar. He plays well, but sometimes confuses notes, frets. The torture ends, the audience claps. The child leaves for the hall where his mother meets him. And she tells him:
- Everything was wonderful, son! Just great!
“I think you're exaggerating.”
- Well, there were some flaws, but they did not spoil the overall impression of the game.
- Okay, mom, I know that you sing praises to me, but thanks for the support.
As you can see on the example of the analyzed expression, phraseological units and their meanings can change. And it depends not only on the situation, but also on time. In ancient Greece, this phrase had good connotations, and now the speaker is free to vary the semantic content of the saying.
Is it fair or bad to praise unfairly?
It is difficult to answer unambiguously. If it comes to supporting a person, then there is nothing wrong with praising him. Moreover, such an act even indicates some responsiveness of the heart. Another thing is when a person lavishes compliments to achieve a certain goal, his behavior does not look very attractive, especially if the addressee understands: the assessment of his activity is insincere and simulated.
One way or another, now the reader has an idea of what “sing praises” means, and he can independently decide when and whom to celebrate, and whether it is worth it.