"Raven count": the meaning of phraseology, origin, synonyms and antonyms

What is phraseologism? This term refers to well-established phrases inherent in any language. Any phraseologism consists of several words that have a common meaning.

Most of these expressions are so deeply rooted in the past that over time they lost their former imagery. Some words in persistent expressions are out of date. Therefore, without knowing the history of the origin of some phraseological units, it is impossible to understand their meaning.

What does it mean to count a raven? This phraseological unit has some figurativeness, so you can guess its meaning.

Value

Phraseologism "raven count" has several interpretations:

1. Be absent-minded . So they say about inattentive people who are not focused on any work. For example: "He conducts classes so boringly that everyone thinks the raven is on them."
2. Sit back . In this meaning, phraseology “raven count” is used when talking about a person who spends time uselessly. For example: "Instead of counting the raven, I would read a book."

The origin of the expression is connected with the natural desire for a person to observe "lesser brothers." Such phraseological units have their own name - zoomorphisms.

Phraseologisms with the word "crow"

With "crow" there are several winged expressions:

• "White Crow" - a person who is different from others; "not like everyone else."
• "A crow in peacock feathers" - a tradesman; a person who is trying to appear to be who he is not; snob.
• “Neither pava nor raven” - a person with a weak life position, not independent.
• “Catch the raven” - miss something important.
• "Frighten the raven" - look ridiculous, cause laughter with his own appearance.
• “Ravens croaked” (emphasis in the first word on the second syllable) - bad weather has come.
• "Crow's Nest" - shaggy hair on the head.
  

Synonyms and Antonyms

The meaning of phraseology “raven count” can be conveyed by other stable expressions. Here is some of them:

• "Beat the buck." Bucks - wooden blanks for products. The beating of buckles is one of the simplest works in Russia. From here came phraseologism in the sense of "lounging."
• Sharpen your hair. Engaged in idle chatter, idle time. The origin is connected with the work of the master, who sharpened balances, ornate objects like conversation.
• "Fool around." "Fools" - children's toys in Russia.
• “Chasing the idler” - from the word “idling”.
• "Not to move a finger".
• "Sit in one's hands".
• "Lay on the stove."
• "Lie on your side."
• "Spit on the ceiling."
• "Count the flies."

The opposite meaning of phraseologism “to count the raven” can also be expressed in other words:

• "Be careful".
• "Keep your ears on top of your head."
• "Be on the alert."
• "Look in both eyes."
• "Watch / listen with your mouth open."
• "Catch every word."