Phraseology "reap laurels": meaning and origin

Few people know that the word "laureate", which means a person awarded a prize for merit, is translated from Latin as "crowned with laurels". Branches of a noble tree are often mentioned in stable combinations of words. For example, there is such an expression as "reap laurels." In this article we will look at this phraseology, find out its meaning, the history of origin. Also note the scope of this stable phrase.

"Reap Laurels": meaning

To determine the expression, let us turn to reliable sources - the explanatory and phraseological dictionaries. Sergei Ivanovich Ozhegov gives the following interpretation: "to enjoy the fruits of success". He notes that the expression is used in a figurative sense, often ironically.

In the dictionary Stepanova MI is given the following information: "reap laurels" - phraseology, which means "to enjoy the fruits of success."

Thus, we come to the conclusion that the stable expression we are considering is identical to that of the two linguists. It means getting benefits, results from the successful work done.

But where are the laurels - the branches of the tree? Why are they reaping them? This secret we learn by examining the etymology of phraseology, associated with the myth.

History of origin

There is a Greek myth. Nymph Daphne did not want to become the wife of the god Apollo. She ran away from him and turned into a laurel tree.

It belonged to Apollo, the god of poetry and arts. Branches of the laurel, wreaths from it awarded the winners of musical, poetic competitions. Later they were crowned with athletes, military and other heroes. In this regard, there were various expressions associated with the mention of this tree. For example, "reap laurels."

As we see, the phraseology appeared due to the fact that the branches of the evergreen plant were awarded the winners. And the choice of laurels fell due to the Greek myth.

The use of expression

It is difficult to imagine fiction, print media without stable combinations of words. Masters of the word actively use phraseological units in their works. They emphasize the characters, features, actions of certain persons, attract readers' attention with titles containing cruise expressions.

For example, due to the fact that Angel Merkel was named the man of the year, journalists began publishing articles with similar headlines: "The German Chancellor continues to reap laurels."

However, not only in political materials this expression appears . It is actively used to celebrate the successes of people of various professions. For example, the film by Andrei Zvyagintsev "Leviathan" was a success with critics and juries at various film festivals, in connection with which journalists wrote articles with headlines such as "Leviathan" continues to reap laurels. " This, of course, meant receiving new prizes and awards.

When the names of the winners of various contests and competitions become known, the expression we are considering is also actively used. It remains relevant today and is often used in the media.