Phraseology is a huge layer of the modern literary Russian language, containing countless expressions that amaze the imagination. And if a certain proportion of phraseological turns is known to everyone and everyone, then some phrases really make you think. For example, the "cornerstone" is phraseological unit, the meaning of which is not very clear right away. Where did this expression come from and when should it be applied, if at all? And what, in principle, is the tendency to use expressions of a similar style in modern spoken language? Let's try to figure it out.
Where do we use it?
First of all, it should be noted that such a phrase is more inherent in the high literary style: you do not hear it so often in everyday speech, perhaps that is why the meaning of the word “cornerstone” is not clear to everyone. In modern Russian, in principle, there is a tendency to reduce the use of phraseological phrases in order to simplify the language, which, undoubtedly, is not very good. At the same time, this phraseology refers to the so-called biblical, that is, for the first time this phrase is mentioned in the holy book of Christian peoples, which leads to the existence of a similar expression in English, German, and other European languages. You can’t do anything against borrowing. It is interesting that in English the phrase “fundamental” is already included in the phraseological unit itself, which immediately makes it clear its meaning, in contrast to the Russian language, where you still need to try to understand. This is it, the "cornerstone" - phraseology, the meaning of which is known to both Europeans and Slavs.
But still? About synonyms
But back to our sheep, or rather, the stones. So, the "cornerstone". The meaning of phraseologism is synonymous with such a well-known and also not very clear phrase “at the forefront”. Both of these expressions go back to the biblical legend about the construction of the temple of God, during which this very stone, carved from the rock, was placed in a corner to fasten the walls - roughly speaking, the whole building was holding the "corner stone" on itself. The meaning of phraseology is briefly the basis, the main element. The architect of those distant times was very difficult to make this joint of walls and, according to legend, at first they rejected the cornerstone, which is not suitable as an element of the normal bearing wall of the cathedral. But it was in the corner, in the most important place, that the rejected stone nevertheless came in handy.
And a little more?
Some also associate this phraseologism with another biblical stone - a stumbling block, here, however, the meaning is already slightly different, with a slight negative connotation (an element that in any case becomes a kind of hindrance, obstacle). Yes, it differs markedly from what was said above. But, in principle, the “cornerstone” is phraseological unit, the meaning of which is determined quite accurately, it would be more correct to say that the first meaning is the closer to the modern Russian language - the most important, fundamental.
Use
It is ironic that, despite the very long history of this phrase, finding examples of its use in the literature is far from easy. But even those rare quotes where he occurs, such as "The spiritual continuity of generations - the cornerstone of progress and civilization." It really sounds very sublime and unusual for the ear of a simple layman. It is likely that this is why in conversation colloquy does not really appreciate such a philological turn.
Summarize
So, now we generalize. “Cornerstone” is a phraseological unit, the meaning of which largely coincides with the expression “at the forefront”, somewhat close to the “stumbling block”. In principle, if interpreted according to the Bible, it can also be used as a designation of the image of Jesus Christ or the leader of the Jewish people as a whole. This is a symbol of the righteous, rejected by society.
But most often the interpretation is applied, connected with the foundation, the fundamental principle, the most important and primary element of something. Such an expression is more characteristic of a high literary style - examples of it are not so easy to find even in fiction, especially modern. Due to the tendency to simplify the language, the “cornerstone” is practically not found in colloquial speech - this can explain the fact that very few people correctly understand the meaning of this biblical expression that has been part of the Russian language for so long.