Some enduring combinations of words come to us from ancient Greek myths. In this article we will consider the meaning of phraseology “between Scylla and Charybdis”. In addition, we find out how it relates to the myths of ancient Greece.
“Between Scylla and Charybdis”: the meaning of the expression
To determine the meaning of this stable phrase, we turn to phraseological dictionaries compiled by Rosa T.V. and Stepanova M.I.
The first gives the following interpretation: “a difficult risky position when danger threatens from two sides”. This value gives us Rosa T.V.
Stepanova M. I. in her dictionary gives the following definition: "to be between equivalent dangers."
Thus, we can conclude: the meaning of phraseology “between Scylla and Charybdis” is a threat from two sides. Moreover, the danger from any position is equivalent.
How was formed the phraseological unit “between Scylla and Charybdis”
He came to our speech from ancient Greek mythology. Scylla and Charybdis called the two rocks in which the monsters lived. They guarded the narrow Strait of Messina between the island of Sicily and the Apennine peninsula. These monsters ate sailors. When the sailors tried to dodge the teeth of one monster, they inevitably fell into the mouth of another.
In fact, there were no terrible inhabitants. In fact, it was about two cliffs on both sides of the Gulf of Messina, which was dangerous underwater stones and whirlpools.
However, the names of the fictional monsters became winged, and the expression considered by us formed. Now it means a great danger, when something terrible right up to death can be expected from all sides.
It is worth noting that in mythology the height of the Scylla rock reached heaven. The monster that dwelt in her was awesome. It had twelve paws and six heads. He had as many as three jaws with huge teeth. It terrifiedly howled loudly and caught everyone in a row: from seafarers to marine inhabitants. In this case, it could capture up to six people at once.
As for Charybdis, in this rock the monster was a water goddess. She was angry and cruel and drowned in the whirlpools of sailors.
There is a myth in which Odysseus with his team was forced to swim through this strait. To save himself and save everyone, he decided to go past the Scylla cliffs. This choice was made because Charybdis would drown everyone at once. We couldn’t survive in any case. And Scylla could capture no more than six people. Odyssey managed to turn the situation so that the monster did not eat anyone. That is the myth.
Synonyms of expression
From stable combinations that are similar in meaning, one can cite, for example, “between two fires”, “between a rock and a hard place”. They also mean equal danger on both sides, a hopeless situation. That is, if you manage to avoid the threat on the one hand, you will surely fall into the power of hostile forces on the other. Such is the meaning of the phraseology "between Scylla and Charybdis."
Use expression
This phraseology is used by writers, journalists. Among them, one can distinguish M.E. Saltykov-Shchedrin, Victor Hugo, the Strugatsky brothers, Homer. Particularly actively use expression in the print media. The meaning of phraseology “between Scylla and Charybdis” is such that its use allows journalists to convey a critical situation when someone is between two fires.
Conclusion
Ancient Greek mythology made a great contribution to world culture. She diversified our language, giving us various phraseological units. They are actively used in our speech and help to express our thoughts more capaciously and vividly.