You can use phraseological units in colloquial speech without thinking about its origin. But turning to the history of the emergence of this or that stable expression will not only expand linguistic knowledge, but also allow you to find out some moments of history.
The expression "sewn with white thread" is used in the meaning of distrust. Thus, an attempt is characterized as evidence of obviously rigged facts, the evidence of forgery of which is beyond doubt.
Where did the expression come from
At first glance, all the components of the expression refer to tailoring. Even a person who is far from sewing understands that a preliminary sketch is required before connecting the parts of the product. Basting is usually done with threads of a contrasting color to make it easier to remove later.
In this sense, the expression is used by literary classics. From Gogol's correspondence with friends “And it serves me right! In no case should an essay be issued, which, although it was not badly cut, was sewn somehow, with white threads, like a dress brought by tailors only for fitting. " As the context shows, the expression "sewn with white thread" is used to mean "unfinished work."
That is, if we accept the origin of the phraseological unit from the tailor's craft, it is in the meaning of unfinished work that the meaning should be perceived. If you do not deviate from the tailor theme, the expression "on a living thread" in the meaning of "hastily" is more appropriate.
However, the phraseological dictionary of the Russian language, and all explanatory dictionaries, decipher the expression as “Razg. Nebr. Grossly forged; awkwardly, clumsily hidden something."
Doubts cannot but arise if we remember the combination in which the phraseologism "The case is sewn with white threads" is most often used. It is advisable to consider in this case the word "case" as a term of legal proceedings.
What business can be sewn with white thread
In the course of the investigation of a case, the results of the interrogation, the testimony of witnesses and other data are recorded, on the basis of which the case is prepared for transfer to the trial. Naturally, all the documents that make up the case are separate sheets of paper of different sizes, which must be combined into one block. Even in the age of computer technology, the court accepts only paper versions of documents, and electronic copies can only be used as working materials of the investigation.
All documents are hemmed in a single block with special threads, the knot on the back of the case is sealed with a piece of paper and certified with a seal and signature. Thus, the possibility of seizure, manipulation or substitution of any document is excluded. Stamp ink cannot but leave traces on threads.
In case of falsification of evidence, the package of documents is embroidered and re-flashed. But since the counterfeiter does not have the required seal, the threads remain clean. And even if the same threads were used, by the location of the ink stains on them, it is visually noticeable that an unauthorized intervention was made in the case.
