The names of animals are often present in phraseological phrases. At the same time, some property inherent in a living creature is usually highlighted, for example, its appearance, size or behavior. But in the phraseological unit "distribution of elephants", borrowed from Russian literature, the image of a mighty animal has a hidden ironic meaning.
What important qualities of an elephant are reflected in the phraseological units associated with this animal? You can often hear the expressions "stomping like an elephant", "like a grain of an elephant", "an elephant in a china shop." They focus on the size of the elephant and its awkwardness. “Elephant” is sometimes ironically called a fat, massive and clumsy person. Such a comparison is almost always offensive, although very often it reflects very accurately the specifics of the situation.
But at the same time, the image of an elephant is also present in other combinations. When they talk about the distribution of material or other goods, the phraseological unit “distribution of elephants” is often used. This expression is first encountered in the text of Mikhail Zoshchenko's feuilleton "Life is everywhere", which was published in 1928. However, the phrase “distribution of elephants” became truly famous after the publication of the novel “The Golden Calf” by Ilya Ilf and Yevgeny Petrov, which became incredibly popular among Soviet readers.
Ostap Bender, the protagonist of The Golden Calf, has earned himself the reputation of a great schemer for a reason. What was his valise alone worth, from which Bender, with the dexterity of a circus artist, once began to take out a variety of objects in front of his amazed companions.
Among the contents of the mysterious briefcase was a bright poster that announced the arrival of the famous Bombay priest, whose role was played by Ostap Bender. Among the miracles promised to the public, a colorful poster contained an indication of the indispensable "materialization of spirits and the distribution of elephants." With the light hand of the authors of the novel, the phrase went to the people.
The distribution of elephants is spoken of when they indicate the delivery of gifts, awards or prizes, which is massive. The catch here is that such lush and voluminous gifts, in fact, for some reason most often turn out to be just empty promises that are never fully fulfilled.
It is quite possible that the phraseological unit “distribution of elephants” also has a historical basis. The fact is that in ancient times, the armies of a number of states used war elephants. Keeping these animals, caring for them and preparing for the service was a burdensome matter for the state treasury. For this reason, individual rulers sometimes simply gave out war elephants to their warriors for use.
The duties of the new owner of the elephant included caring for the "combat unit", feeding and training the animal. Here is another additional meaning of the expression "distribution of elephants": this can be said about gifts that oblige you a lot, as well as the unwanted troubles associated with these gifts and additional work that brings some expenses.
