Most of the stable combinations are rooted in the Church Slavonic language. Such phrases were included in the active stock of the Russian language, but they retained their original meaning. Bible expressions are used by native speakers in various areas of communication. In a colloquial style, they are most commonly used.
What does it mean to "throw pearls in front of pigs"
In modern Russian, the expression “throwing pearls in front of pigs” took root after the publication of the famous comedy by D. I. Fonvizin "The Minor". One of the heroes in his monologue tells that on his statement about expulsion from the theological seminary it was written: "From the whole doctrine to dismiss: there is more written - do not throw beads in front of the pigs, but do not trample him underfoot." It is in this sense that phraseological units are used today by people. However, in the process of semantic development, this expression has undergone some semantic changes.
Traditional interpretation
The gospel is the traditional source of the consistent expression "throw pearls before pigs." "Do not give holy things to dogs and do not throw your pearls before the pigs, so that they do not trample it under their feet and, turning, do not tear you to pieces." This sentence is recorded in the Gospel of Matthew in the 7th verse of the 6th chapter. Direct meaning - you should not humiliate yourself and pay attention to unworthy people. It is important to note that in the old days, small river pearls, which were mined in large quantities in local rivers, were considered beads. Such pierced pearls were used to decorate clothes. In the future, pearls and any small glass items intended for needlework began to be called beads. Therefore, pearls have ceased to be associated with a precious stone in the minds of native speakers, that is, they have depreciated. In this regard, the expression "throwing pearls in front of pigs" began to be used in the meaning of "to say something to those who cannot fully understand and appreciate it."
Some linguists believe that the original meaning of the phraseological unit was lost due to the initial distortion of the biblical phrase. The meaning of the phrase is directly related to the fact that you should not trust the sacred to people who do not believe in the highest spiritual values of the world and do not believe in the divine principle. Trusting them, you blaspheme and insult God. Jesus urges not to throw precious pearls in front of pigs who cannot appreciate anything sacred. As a result, pearls become cheap beads, and the biblical basis of phraseological units becomes meaningless.
Modern interpretation
In the phraseological dictionary of the Russian literary language, the expression "toss pearls in front of pigs" means "it is useless to talk about something or prove something to someone who is not able or does not want to understand it." At the same time, it has a dictionary label "iron.", "Express.", Which indicates the emotional coloring of the phraseological unit. There is a version that the expression "throwing pearls" refers to the slang of card players. So they say when they want to emphasize a winning and original layout of the cards. It is useless to explain this alignment to a person who does not know a lot about the card game. Such a person will be called a pig. This version is less believable than the traditional one.
