Each of us has heard the well-known phraseology “not with a single foot”. Nonetheless, not everyone understands the significance of this popular wisdom. To find out if you interpret phraseology correctly, read this article.
Origin
Before we learn the meaning of phraseology “not with a tooth”, we will look at its origin. It is believed that the expression came from the fact that a person is so stupid and insane that he can’t even hit his opponent’s tooth. But to any decent man of the XIX century. you had to be able to stand up for yourself. Indeed, not only his reputation, but also the reputation of the whole family depended on his strength and agility. Over time, people improved the phrase and transformed it into simple four words. Why did this happen? Yes, because over time, people began to use their heads more often than physical strength.
Value
Today, in order to pass for an educated person, it is not necessary to be able to fight. Therefore, the meaning of phraseology “not with a tooth” is simple stupidity, and not physical slowness. Such phraseologism can be sent to the student teacher to retake the exam if the young man pulls out two tickets in a row and can not give an answer to any of them.
What does it mean “not with a tooth”? The meaning used in everyday life is as follows: a person in a certain sphere does not orient at all. For example, when a conversation about history comes in the company of friends, and one of them cannot keep up the conversation. Lost in facts and terms, he shows those around him that he is not kicking a foot.
Examples of use in the literature
The meaning of phraseology “not with a single tooth” is best analyzed by examples. And where to get them, if not from classical literature. For example, Ertel wrote in The Gardeninas: “Therefore, my own son in Latin and Greek (leans on), and what is needed on a commercial case is not a foot in the tooth.”
Another example can be given from Sholokhov. In "Virgin Soil Upturned," he wrote: - He began to ask about the contents of the book two days later, and I didn’t do it with my foot.
Synonymous phraseological units
The Russian language is rich in similar expressions. It is clear that the shades of meaning will be slightly different, but nevertheless, the idea that a person does not understand something can be conveyed not only with the phrase “not with a foot”. But how else can I say?
- looks in a book, sees a fig;
- understands how a pig in oranges;
- neither be, nor me, nor crow does not understand.
Examples of use in life
And what is the meaning of phraseology “not with a single tooth” has today? It is used to indicate to a person, in a veiled form, that he needs to tighten his knowledge in a particular area. It is believed that directly speaking is inconvenient, but in the form of phraseological units it is more pleasant to hear about one’s stupidity. Of course, not always. Other people may also be offended.
But still, let's look at two simple examples. Two friends are discussing the economy. One tells the other where to invest the money. But in the eyes of the opponent he sees emptiness and anxiety. When asked if everything is clear, the interlocutor replies that not everything is clear. And he asks some stupid question, for example, why investments are needed at all. To say directly is rather rude, and, grinning, chastising a friend that he was a foot in finances, does not seem such a difficult task.
But phraseologism is used not only to show a person his stupidity and ignorance. It is used to teach something. For example, if a mother has free time, and she knows that her son is not strong in literature, then she can tell him that he has not a single foot and now he will tighten his knowledge. Children love funny phrases and memorize them very quickly. Therefore, if parents often use phraseological units when talking with children, then the child will use them often. The main thing is to learn to feel where it will be out of place to say folk wisdom, and where it is better to remain silent.