"Crow count": the meaning of phraseology, origin, synonyms and antonyms

What is phraseology? This term refers to the established phrases inherent in a language. Any phraseology consists of several words that unite the common meaning.

Most of these expressions are so deeprooted in the past, which eventually lost their former imagery. Some words in the set of fixed expressions are outdated. Therefore, not knowing the history of the origin of some phraseological units, it is impossible to understand their meaning.

What does it mean to count raven? This idiom has some imagery, so its meaning can be guessed.

Value

The phraseological unit "raven to count" has several interpretations:

1. To be scattered. So they say about inattentive people who are not focused on some kind of work. For example: "He leads classes so boringly that everyone considers them to be crows."
2. Sit back. In this sense, the phraseologism “raven to count” is used when talking about a person who spends useless time. For example: "Instead of counting crows, I would read a book."

The origin of the expression is associated with the natural desire for a person to observe the "smaller brothers". Such idioms have their own name - zoomorphism.

Phraseology with the word "crow"

With the "crow" there are several popular expressions:

• "White Crow" - a person different from others; "not like everyone else."
• "Crow in peacock feathers" - tradesman; a person who tries to appear who he is not; snob.
• "Neither pawa nor raven" is a man with a weak life position, not independent.
• Catching a Raven is missing something important.
• “Scare the crows” - look ridiculous, make you laugh with your appearance.
• "The crows nakarkali" (stress in the first word on the second syllable) - bad weather came.
• "Crow's Nest" - shaggy hair on the head.

Synonyms and antonyms

The meaning of the phraseologism "raven to consider" can be conveyed by other stable expressions. Here are some of them:

• "To beat the thumbs up." Baklushi - wooden blanks for products. The beating of baklush is one of the simplest works in Russia. From here the phraseologism in meaning "idle" has gone.
• "Sharpen lyasy". Engage in idle chatter, idly spending time. The origin is associated with the work of the master, who sharpened balusters, ornate, like conversation, objects.
• "Fool around." "Fools" - children's toys in Russia.
• "To drive a loafer" - from the word "loafer".
• "Not to move a finger".
• "Sit in one's hands".
• "On the stove to lie."
• "Lie on your side."
• "Spit in the ceiling."
• "Count the flies."

The opposite meaning of the phraseologism “raven to consider” can also be expressed in other turns:

• "Keep eyes open".
• "Keep ears on top."
• "Be alert."
• "Look in both eyes."
• "Watch / listen with your mouth open."
• "Catch every word."