Cornerstone (phraseology): the meaning of the expression

Phraseology is the largest stratum of modern literary Russian, containing countless expressions that amaze the imagination. And if some of the phraseological phrases are known to everyone, then some phrases really make you think. Here, for example, "cornerstone" - phraseology, the meaning of which is not very clear. Where does this expression come from and when should it be applied, if at all? And what, in principle, is the tendency to use expressions of this style in modern colloquial language? Let's try to understand.

Where do we use it?

First of all, it should be noted that such a phrase is more inherent in a high literary style: it is not so often heard 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 for the sake of language simplification, which, undoubtedly, is not very good. However, this phraseology belongs to the so-called biblical, that is, for the first time this phrase is mentioned in the holy book of Christian peoples, which causes the presence of a similar expression in English, German, and other European languages. You can not do anything against borrowing. It is interesting that in English the word "fundamental" is already part of the phraseology itself, which immediately makes it clear its meaning, unlike the Russian language, where you still have to try to understand. Here he is, "cornerstone" - phraseology, the meaning of which is known to Europeans and Slavs.

But still? About synonyms

But back to our sheep, or rather, stones. So, the "cornerstone". The meaning of phraseology is synonymous with such a well-known and also not particularly understandable phrase "at the heart of the corner". Both these expressions go back to the biblical legend of the construction of the temple of God, during which this very stone, hewn out of the rock, fit into a corner to fasten the walls, - roughly speaking, the whole building held a "corner stone". The meaning of phraseology is briefly the basis, the main element. The architect of those remote times it was very difficult to make this junction of walls and, according to legend, at first they rejected the cornerstone, not suitable as an element of the usual bearing wall of the cathedral. But it was in the corner, in the most important place, that the rejected stone was still useful.

And a little more?

Some also associate this phraseology with another biblical stone - a stumbling block, here, however, the meaning is slightly different, with a slight negative tinge (an element that in any case becomes a kind of hindrance, an obstacle). Yes, it differs markedly from what was said above. But, in principle, the "cornerstone" - phraseology, whose meaning is determined quite accurately, it will be more correct to say that the current Russian language is still closer to the first meaning - the most important, the fundamental one.

Use

Paradoxically, despite the very long history of this phrase, it is far from easy to find examples of its use in literature. But even those rare quotes where he meets, such as "Spiritual continuity of generations is the cornerstone of progress and civilization." It sounds really very sublime and unusual for the ear of a common man. It is likely that this is why in a colloquial speech the interlocutor does not really appreciate such a philological turn.

We generalize

So, now we generalize. "Keystone" is phraseology, the meaning of which largely coincides with the expression "at the heart of", in something close and "a stumbling block." In principle, if we interpret 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 the symbol of a righteous man rejected by society.

But most often the interpretation is applied, connected with the foundation, the fundamental principle, the main and primary element of something. Such an expression is more characteristic of a high literary style - it is not so easy to find examples of it even in fiction, especially modern literature. Because of the tendency to simplify the language, the "cornerstone" practically does not occur in colloquial speech - it is this that can explain the fact that very few people correctly understand the significance of this biblical expression, which for so long was part of the Russian language.