In the Russian language there is a significant layer of vocabulary, which can be attributed to the original Russian phraseology. These are such expressions as “neither fish nor meat”, “like Christ's bosom”, “lip is not a fool”, “do not feed with bread”, etc. The use of such expressions in modern Russian testifies to their semantic significance for the consciousness of Russian speakers. language.
Where did the expression "Don't feed with bread" came from?
Etymologists point out that combinations with the word "bread" are part of half of the Russian national folklore heritage, which is the most important layer of vocabulary in the language. This is due to the fact that bread is not only a widespread food product, but also an integral part of Russian national culture.
Historical roots of phraseological units
In order to understand the history of the expression "Do not feed with bread", it is enough to remember that in the days of Ancient Rus bread had a sacred meaning. No other country in the world attached such importance to bread. Bread is the basis of the Russian table. The word bread has an ancient origin and is etymologically connected with the agricultural culture of the ancient Slavs. Subsequently, this word expanded its semantic content and began to call food as a whole “bread”: “Without a piece of bread, there is anguish everywhere,” “Bread is the head of everything,” “Don't open bread on someone else’s loaf”, etc. In Russian national folklore, bread acts as a symbol of peace, love, well-fed life and fertility. It was not customary to refuse bread at the table and it was strictly forbidden to throw away the remaining bread. Therefore, the expression "Do not feed with bread" denotes an extremely high degree of a person's desire for something, usually some kind of occupation, which he seeks to do. The desire to fulfill the plan should be stronger than the feeling of hunger. That is, a person is ready to give preference to what at the moment is of enormous importance to him.
Dictionary help
The expression "Do not feed with bread" was recorded in the Collection of figurative words and allegories in 1904: "Do not feed bread (porridge, honey) (ex.) - I am ready to give up everything, even bread for the sake of a favorite subject." Dictionary litter "inosc." suggests that the expression "Do not feed with bread" at the beginning of the XX century took shape in an independent phraseological unit.
In the Explanatory Dictionary of S. A. Kuznetsova, the phraseological unit "Do not feed with bread" is considered in conjunction with the figurative meaning of the word "bread". Do not feed bread - "(colloquial) no one needs anything, just to be able to receive, to fulfill what he wants." By the dictionary mark, it can be determined that the expression is actively used in the colloquial style of speech.
In modern explanatory dictionaries, the phraseologism "Do not feed with bread" is associated with a person's ability to perform altruistic acts regardless of circumstances. During its centuries-old history, the expression "Do not feed with bread" has not lost its original meaning.
Proverbs and sayings with the expression "Do not feed bread"
Call the devil, but feed him with bread!
No matter how you call, feed only bread!
Don't feed it with bread, just don't drive it from the oven!
Don't feed anybody else with bread, just don't drive them from the oven!
Researchers-etymologists note that over time, the growth of phraseological units based on the word "bread" is possible. Until now, bread for Russians is the soul of the table!
