The Russian language is full of beautiful phraseological units. They decorate speech, make it richer and more diverse.
Phraseologisms are stable combinations of words that carry one common meaning. Such phrases cannot be broken down into parts, diluted in other words, otherwise they lose their meaning.
Most phraseological units cannot be understood without knowing their origin. In this article, you will learn not only the meaning of phraseology “ not to face the mud”, but also its origin.
Meaning and Origin
The expression "hit the dirt in the face" means "show yourself unworthy, blame, disgrace." Accordingly, the meaning of phraseology “not to face the dirt” - to prove oneself in the best way, not to blame.
Where did this interesting, steady expression come from? It is believed that it came to us from Russian folk speech.
The phrase is associated with wrestling competitions. A stronger contestant fell to the ground of a weaker one. The latter fell face down into the mud, as the ring did not exist, and nothing was laid under the feet of the wrestlers.
Synonyms
"Do not hit the dirt in the face" can be replaced by other phraseological units. Consider several synonyms for this catch phrase:
- "Do not sit in a puddle." We are used to hearing the phrase "sit in a puddle" in the meaning of "disgrace", but its use with negation is also possible.
- "Do not be ashamed" is an obsolete word that is used in the meaning "do not force yourself to be ashamed of your act . "
Phraseologism has much more antonyms:
- "Give a swing", that is, "do not get to the point, goof off." This expression comes from the word "miss."
- "Give a slip" is used in the same meaning as "give a swing".
- "Sit down," that is, "to be in an awkward position."
- "Sit in a puddle" - to be in an awkward position; fail.
- "Breaking firewood" - making stupidity, a mistake.
- "Goofing off" - become the subject of discussion by committing a stupid act.