The expression "pass by a red thread". Its meaning, the history of origin and use

Historical events often leave their indelible imprint, adding to the vocabulary new stable turns. Among them, one can note the expression "to pass by a red thread". In this article we will consider this phraseology. We will reveal the meaning, etymology, the scope of this expression.

"Passing a red thread": the meaning of phraseology

Perhaps many people know the interpretation of this expression from school times. Often in the literature lessons you can hear the phrase "go red thread." The meaning of the expression is the basis, something predominant, leading. Therefore, when they talk about the writers' writings, this turn is used to highlight the author's important topic. For example, they can say that the theme of good and evil is a red thread in the work of Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky. Or let us take Pushkin as a model. So, it can be noted that in his work the theme of freedom, struggle and freedom is a red thread.

Whence this expression appeared, what events influenced it, we learn further.

History of the origin of a stable phrase

There are two variants of events, because of which the expression "to pass by a red thread" appeared. They are both connected with the theft of state property. According to the first version, in Holland, the canvas was stolen from the fleet, and in the 17th and 18th centuries, in order to prevent theft, it was decided to weave red threads into it. Thus, such a fabric meant that it was official. Therefore, no one would buy such a canvas and, therefore, steal. This variant is found in the school phrase book of MI Stepanova.

The next version is very similar to the first one. The English fleet also had problems with the theft of treasury property, namely ropes. Therefore, it was decided in 1776 to weave a red thread in them. Yes, so that it was the main, core. While cleaning it, they disbanded the rest of the ropes, that is, they made the rope unusable, so this method of protection was reliable.

Thus, history shows that the red thread was the basis, the main one. Hence the meaning of the winged phrase.

The use of phraseology

The expression "go by the red thread" became stable due to Johann Goethe. In 1809 he wrote the novel "Elective Affinity". In it, the author mentioned the red thread used in the gear of the Royal Navy. There he told about cunning ropes, that the red thread is the main one, and attempts to remove it lead to the deterioration of the whole rope.

Since Johann Goethe was a famous thinker and figure, his works quickly became known and popular. The statement about the red thread was winged. At the same time, the expression became stable among many peoples and appeared in different languages. It is used in the media, literature, school essays and other works to highlight the main themes and thoughts of someone else's work. In colloquial speech, it is less common.

Conclusion

Having considered the stable expression "to pass by the red thread," we learned that such a turn is marked by the main, leading, main points. Especially the themes in creative works.

Turning to the history of the emergence of this phraseology, we found out what role red threads played in shipping.

We also found out how the great naturalist and literary writer Johann Goethe contributed to the popularization of this expression.

The turnover we are considering is very popular in journalism and creative work. Therefore, it is worthwhile to know the meaning of such a widespread expression, so that at a critical moment it is impossible to get trapped. And the use of this phraseology in writing articles, essays, analyzing creativity will make the work more vivid.