The phrase about the sky in diamonds can often be heard in conversation, while it can be used in several meanings. Knowing the meaning of this expression will allow you to understand what exactly the interlocutor wanted to convey to you.
The appearance of the phrase about the sky in diamonds is traditionally associated with the name of the great Russian writer Anton Pavlovich Chekhov. It was put into the mouth of Sonya, one of the characters in the play "Uncle Vanya". But the original meaning of this phrase was markedly different from that which is attached to this expression today.
The original meaning of the phrase "see the sky in diamonds"
In the already mentioned play by Chekhov, the words about the sky in diamonds sound enthusiastic, they hear the hope for a better future, even the afterlife. Sonya says that all evil, all suffering will drown in mercy, and people will finally rest, hear the angels and see the sky in diamonds.
Thus, the initial meaning of this expression can be considered positive, albeit rather sad. After all, according to Sonya, it will be possible to see the sky in diamonds only after death.
Unreasonable optimism and self-confidence
Soon after Chekhov wrote his play "Uncle Vanya" the expression "to see the sky in diamonds" began to take on a different shade. It no longer reflected faith in a better future - on the contrary, they began to associate with it a senseless hope for something unattainable. To say about a person that he sees the sky in diamonds means to publicly declare his empty dreams, projection, and unjustified optimism.
This is how the mentioned expression acquired its new meaning, ironic. In this sense, it is often used now.
Aggressiveness, warning of impending troubles
It is very interesting that the phrase "to see the sky in diamonds" has gradually transformed into another widespread version - "to show the sky in diamonds." In this context, the expression “I will show you the sky in diamonds” or “You will now see the sky in diamonds with me” has an emphatically threatening and aggressive character. The well-known expressions "I will show you Kuzka's mother" and "You will find out from me where the crayfish winter" are very close in meaning to this phrase.
It is worth noting that it is the third option that can be considered the most common today. The use of the phrase "sky with diamonds" in an ironic context is more rare and quite infrequent - in its original Chekhovian form, promising something really good.
Considering that practically the same phrase can have a completely opposite meaning, for its correct understanding it is necessary to evaluate the context in which it is used. Indeed, in one case, someone's promise to show the sky in diamonds can bode well, while in the other it definitely portends serious trouble.
