Like 2 drops of water. The meaning and origin of the phraseological unit “like two peas in a pod”
Twins have always been looked at with interest, and in the past with superstition. It was widely believed that they had magical powers over nature and especially rain and weather. They were believed to have other supernatural abilities and could predict the gender of an unborn child, control the climate, inflict infertility or fertility, give immortality in battle, insensitivity to the poison of snakes and scorpions, and had the ability to stop the boiling of water in a pot. Some peoples believed that a person could not have more than one father at the same time and that the mother was therefore unfaithful. In South Asia, Japan and India, the mother of twins was considered unclean. The Hottentots removed one of the father's testicles to prevent a woman from having twins again. In some places, one or both twins were destroyed. In British Columbia, Indians feared twins because they thought their wishes were always fulfilled and they could charm those they hated. Some Indian tribes thought they were salmon in transformation and did not allow them to go near the water lest they turn back into fish. In many countries it was believed that they had the power to cause good or bad weather.
In New Guinea, it was believed that if a woman ate two bananas growing from the same head, she would give birth to twins. The Guarani Indians of South America thought that a woman would become the mother of twins if she ate double grains of millet. The parents of the twins, the Baganda of Central Africa believed, were so fertile that they could increase the fertility of the tree plantations that were the basis of their diet. They held a ceremony to transfer the reproductive power to these plantations. In New Guinea, when one twin died, the other was given a wooden image of his brother or sister. The twins were welcomed and placed in a special dwelling built by the twin workers. They must abstain from certain types of food, such as the iguana lizard. The twins were decorated with white beads.
The most famous twins are Castor and Pollux, Jacob and Eso, Romulus and Remus, Viola and Sebastian, Tweedledum and Tweedledy.
Siamese twins
The most remarkable true story of Siamese twins Chang ("left") and Yong ("right"), born in Siam (now Thailand). They shared a navel and probably only one liver. They learned to stand at the age of 12, and at 17 they were taken to the United States to appear in show business. They often fought with each other and were brought to court for this. Both got married; Chang had ten children, and Yong nine. They lived in two houses, spending alternately three days in each. They died at the age of 63, within a few hours of each other.
The Russian language is replete with various set expressions. They undoubtedly decorate everyone’s speech if they are used with knowledge of the meaning of a particular phraseological unit. In this article we will look at the comparative phrase “like two peas in a pod,” which is known to everyone. However, not many people know how it found its way into our vocabulary.
Meaning and use of phraseological units
First, it’s worth understanding what this expression means. It is, of course, known to everyone, because many people use the phraseology “like two peas in a pod.” Its meaning is as follows: perfect similarity. This applies to persons, objects, and phenomena. When they see people who are similar to each other (usually in appearance), they usually say that they are like two peas in a pod.
We see that the figure of speech in question is used as a circumstance of the manner of action. It is most often used with the adjective “similar”, which can appear in various forms: both short and full. Here this turnover conveys an image of external similarity. Also, this phraseological unit can convey the character, properties of various things - everything that has some similarity with another object.
We have outlined what this expression means and examined how it is used in speech. It is worth finding out what the origin of the phraseological unit “like two peas in a pod” is. Surely this story contains some secret.
The origin of the phraseological unit “like two peas in a pod”
Many do not have a specific author. It turned out that this also applies to the phraseological unit we are considering. It is originally Russian, passed down from generation to generation. Even in Rus' they talked about objects, using the phraseological unit “like two peas in a pod” in conversations. The origin of this expression is thus folk. And the person who first used this phrase is not recorded.
Some suggest that the origin of the phraseological unit “like two peas in a pod” is associated with its use in literature. However, researchers of the folk cultural wealth of Russia are confident that writers simply picked it up and used a ready-made phrase in their works. But it was after writers used this stable expression in their works that it became a more popular comparison, which many willingly used in conversation.
Synonyms of phraseological units in Russian
We have already indicated above that the stable expression in question has the meaning “perfect similarity.” How can you replace the phraseological unit “like two peas in a pod”? and not just one: spitting image, exactly, similar, identical, like brothers, like sisters, like twins.
In addition, there are stable expressions with similar meanings. For example: hair to hair, as if matched, one to one, of the same berry, smeared with the same world, for one cut, for one block, and so on. Our language is rich in such stable folk expressions. And if you try, you can find even more similar phrases in dictionaries, textbooks and literary works. You just have to look.
Synonyms in other languages
Many set expressions, similar in meaning, are used in different countries. The same applies to the phraseological unit we are considering. It is popular in many languages. Let's look at it in English and French. On the first one it sounds like: as like as two drops of water. And in French: se ressembler comme deux gouttes d'eau.
How can you replace the phraseological unit “like two peas in a pod”? The synonym for this common expression in other languages is translated as “similar as two peas in a pod.” Its English version is as like as two peas in a pod. In French it sounds like: se ressembler comme deux grains de pois dans une cosse.
It is worth noting that there is another phraseological unit in a foreign language, similar in meaning to our expression - “similar as one egg to another.” In English it is pronounced like this: as like as two eggs. And in French: se ressembler comme deux gouttes d'eau. And this circulation is not limited to these idioms. There are many of them. You just need to delve into a foreign culture, and you will find a lot of synonymous idioms.
Antonyms of phraseological units in Russian
The expression we are exploring means “similar.” And what kind of adjectives would be suitable here, such as various, varied, contradictory? . If we talk about nouns with opposite meanings, then these include the words dissimilarity, difference, divergence.
You can also select stable antonym expressions to replace the phraseological unit “like two peas in a pod.” Pictures - images of opposite meanings immediately pop up in the head in the form of two completely incompatible and dissimilar people, objects and phenomena. For example, heaven and earth. This is an excellent phraseological antonym for the expression studied in this article. After all, it means difference, not similarity.
Antonyms in English
The expression “like heaven and earth” is the opposite of the comparative phrase “like two peas in a pod.” Phraseologism is used by different peoples to denote absolute differences.
There are several idioms for this antonym expression in English. The first one sounds like: as different as day and night. This literally translates as “different as day and night.” It is quite popular and is used quite often in the speech of foreigners.
The next idiom is be poles apart. It means "to be diametrically opposed." Americans use this expression, implying the phraseology “different as heaven and earth.” It is used in colloquial speech, in literature, and in psychology.
The third option is polar opposites. It means polar opposite. It is used when talking about completely different people and things.
Use of the expression in literature
Many phraseological units are used by writers and poets to add imagery to their works. It has already been mentioned that many associated the origin of the phraseological unit “like two peas in a pod” with literature. However, the history of the appearance of this expression in speech is not connected with writing. The phraseological phrase “like two peas in a pod” has a directly folk origin. And writers and poets, as you know, love to use such stable expressions. This fate did not spare the comparative turnover we are studying.
Let us give as an example an excerpt from the novel “War and Peace” by Leo Nikolaevich Tolstoy: “The evening was like two peas in a pod, like any other evening with conversations, tea and lit candles.” Here the revolution in question paints before our eyes a boring, unremarkable twilight time. We imagine sad people who spend their evenings talking, drinking tea, wasting time on things that do not give them much pleasure.
There are many more examples of the use of this phrase in the literature. But the above passage will be enough to understand how much more figurative the works become when they contain folk phraseological units.
Using the expression in colloquial speech
The vocabulary of every educated person is enriched with stable phrases that people use from time to time, depending on the circumstances and environment. If we talk about the phraseological unit we are considering, then many people probably use it in their speech. And not by chance. After all, the expression “like two drops of water” has a folk origin, which means that this comparative phrase is so close to us that it is sometimes difficult to do without it. This is what they say when they notice the similarity not only of people, but also of some phenomena and objects.
As we can see, the expression we have considered is popular both in Russian and in foreign languages, both in literature and in colloquial speech. It is easy to find both synonyms and antonyms for it. It makes speech more figurative and beautiful. And if you want to enrich your vocabulary, feel free to use such phraseological units. But before using them, familiarize yourself with their meanings, then you definitely won’t make a mistake or get into trouble.
(foreigner) - about perfect similarity
Wed. I consider your character to be completely similar to mine and I am very glad; The same.
Dostoevsky. Idiot. 1, 7.
Wed. And then (when you get married) imagine, there will be children around you, maybe as many as six, and it’s all on you, The same.
Gogol. Marriage. 1, 11. Kochkarev.
Wed. Gleich wie ein Ei dem ändern.
As like as two peas.
Wed. Ovo prognatus eodem.
Hor. Sat. 2, 1, 26.
Wed. Nam tam ovo ovum simile.
Cic. Quest. academic 2, 17; 4, 18.
Wed. Senec. apoc. eleven.
Wed. Nam tam aqua similis aquae.
How does water look like water?
Plaut. Menaech. 5, 9, 30.
Wed. Ex uno puteo similior nunquam potest aqua aquae sumi.
Water cannot be similar to water taken from the same well.
Plaut. Mil. 26, 70.
Wed. Nam tam lac lacti simile.
Plaut. Amphitr. 2, 1, 54.
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Phraseological Dictionary of the Russian Language
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Educational phraseological dictionary
- - to k"...
Russian spelling dictionary
- - The perfect similarity is like two peas in a pod. Wed. I consider your character to be completely similar to mine, and I am very glad; like two peas in a pod. Dostoevsky. Idiot. 1, 7...
- - If you step on the mountains - the mountains will crack, if you lie down on the waters - the waters will boil, if you touch the hail - the hail will fall... Derzhavin. Suvorov...
Michelson Explanatory and Phraseological Dictionary (orig. orf.)
- - Razg. Express 1. Everything without a trace, to the bottom. But someone, a benefactor of mortals... The first to think about wine And, having drained the cup to a drop, Saw the truth at the bottom. Without hesitating for a moment, the prince bowed to the king and drained the cup to the last drop. 2...
- - Express. Absolutely, very strongly. The evening was like two peas in a pod; for any other evening with conversations, tea and lit candles...
Phraseological Dictionary of the Russian Literary Language
- - see Dot to dot, like mother to daughter...
IN AND. Dahl. Proverbs of the Russian people
- - Cm....
Synonym dictionary
- - adj., number of synonyms: 5 spitting image resembling similar exactly the same as...
Synonym dictionary
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DROPS
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“Oh drops, drops, like stones...”
From the book Memory of a Dream [Poems and translations] author Puchkova Elena Olegovna“Oh drops, drops, like stones...” Oh drops, drops, like stones, And the groan of the window glass... Because of the Pechora or the Kama, did you, cloud, come under the window? The rains are unbearably sowing, Scattered and heavy, Because of the Ob and Yenisei, Did you, a cloud, come under the window? Rains are common and frequent, but why is it so dark?! You
You and I are like two peas in a pod
From the book Ugresh Lyra. Issue 2 author Egorova Elena NikolaevnaYou and I are like two peas in a pod. You and I are like two peas in a pod. You and I are two steps away from trouble, But the water will be carried away by the water, And the trouble will be overgrown with quinoa. You and I are like two hot rays - We drink love from a forest spring, But the hotter our date is, The passion is like a spring,
"AS TWO DROPS OF WATER"
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Days of water (signs of the element of water - Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces).
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From the book Agni Yoga. Sacred Signs (collection) author Roerich Elena IvanovnaDrops of Your grace fill my hands. It flows in abundance through my fingers. I can't hold on to everything. I don’t have time to distinguish the shining streams of wealth. Your good wave pours through your hands onto the earth. I don’t see who will pick up the precious moisture? Small splashes will fall on whom? Home
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Nasal drops
From the book The Complete Encyclopedia of Our Misconceptions authorNasal drops They say, and many doctors confirm this, that a runny nose, if not treated, goes away in a week, and if treated, then in seven days. But drops for runny nose are very popular. And sometimes they are really useful, because they help us not to choke or wheeze when
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From the book The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of Our Misconceptions [with transparent pictures] author Mazurkevich Sergei AlexandrovichNasal drops
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Sandra Brown
As two drops of water
The most disappointing thing was that there could not have been a better day for the flight. The January sky was completely cloudless and so blue it was painful to look at. Visibility is excellent. A cold but not strong wind blew from the north.
At this time of day, the airport was moderate to heavy, but ground services were working efficiently and strictly on schedule. The planes did not have to circle while waiting to land, and no more than two airliners stood on the runway at a time, waiting for permission to take off.
Friday. A typical morning at San Antonio International Airport. The only thing that passengers on Air America flight number 398 had some problems with was the road to the airport itself. There was road work going on on Highway 410, causing a mile-long traffic jam.
Nevertheless, ninety-seven passengers made it to check-in and, having stuffed their hand luggage into the shelves above the seats, now settled into their seats, fastened their seat belts, and some were already leafing through books, newspapers and magazines. The crew was making final routine preparations. The flight attendants exchanged jokes as they loaded carts with drinks and made coffee that no one was destined to drink. After the passengers were counted, additional boarding from the reserve list was allowed. The ramp was removed and the plane began to taxi to the runway.
The friendly voice of the ship's commander was heard over the speakers, informing passengers that their plane was taking off next. Announcing that weather conditions at the destination airport in Dallas were excellent, he ordered the crew to prepare for takeoff.
Not a single person on board, including the commander, suspected that Flight 398 would stay in the air for less than thirty seconds.
- A plane just exploded at the airport.
Irish McCabe immediately perked up:
- What? Catastrophe?
- Fire. Flame to the skies. At the very end of the runway.
Head of Information Irish McCabe hurriedly shoved the latest viewer poll data into the desk. With surprising agility for his age and build, he walked around the table and jumped out of his glass-enclosed office, almost knocking down the correspondent who brought the text of the next news release.
– On takeoff or landing?
- Not yet known.
- Did anyone survive?
– Unknown.
– Regular plane or private?
– Unknown.
- Damn it, was there a disaster? What do you even know?
Correspondents, photographers, secretaries and messengers were already huddled with gloomy faces around the radio tuned to the police wave. Irish reached for the volume control.
“...the runway. So far, not a single surviving passenger or crew member is visible. Fire trucks rush to the scene of the accident. Smoke and flames are visible. Helicopters are lifted into the air. Ambulances..."
Irish began to give orders loudly, drowning out the crackling of the radios.
“You,” he pointed his finger at the one who brought the sensational news a few seconds ago, “take the mobile team there too.” (The reporter and cameraman rushed to the exit.) Who called first? “Irish needed to know that.”
- Martinez. He was driving to work and got stuck in traffic.
– Is he in touch?
- Yes, he’s calling from the car.
– Let him drive up to the scene of the accident as close as he can and film as much as possible until the crew arrives. And the helicopter needs to be raised. Someone get on the phone and get me a pilot! We must meet him. “He looked around those present, clearly looking for someone. – Ike is still here? “He needed a morning news presenter.
- I went to the toilet.
- Give it here. Let him go to the studio. We'll come out with an emergency message. I need a statement from someone at the control tower, from the airport authorities, from the airline, from the police - anything that we can get on the air with before the TSA guys shut everyone up. Come on, Hal, go for it. And somebody call Avery at home. Tell me to...
- Will not work. She's flying to Dallas today, remember?
- Oh, damn. Forgot. No, wait,” said Irish, snapping his fingers, and his face lit up with hope. “Maybe she’s still at the airport.” Then she will be there before everyone else. If she manages to make it to the Air America terminal, she will be able to report from the point of view of an ordinary passenger. If he suddenly calls, call me immediately.
He clung impatiently to the radio again. Adrenaline raged in my blood. All this means that the weekend should be forgotten, instead there will be crazy work, headaches, cold food and hopelessly cold coffee, but despite this, right now Irish felt in his element. Nothing like a plane crash could be the best way to end information week, and therefore the surest way to increase the program's ratings.
Tate Rutledge pulled up in front of the house. He waved to a farm worker who was pulling out in his pickup truck. The half-breed collie rushed towards his owner with a joyful bark.
- Hello, Shep!
Bending down, Tate patted the dog's shaggy head. He looked at him with open adoration.
Tens of thousands of people treated Tate Rutledge with the same reverent devotion. There were enough reasons for admiration. From his tousled hair to the tips of his scuffed shoes, he looked like a must have for any man and an object of desire for any woman. But for every ardent admirer he had an equally sworn enemy.
Telling the dog to stay outside, he entered the spacious hallway, took off his dark glasses and moved into the kitchen, from where he could smell freshly brewed coffee. His stomach growled, reminding him that Tate hadn't eaten breakfast on his early morning trip to San Antonio. He imagined a seared steak, a fluffy omelet, and crispy slices of toasted bread. My stomach growled even louder.
The parents were sitting in the kitchen behind the round oak tree that had been there for as long as Tate could remember. When he entered, the mother turned around. Her face was stunned and pale as chalk. His father, Nelson Rutledge, stood up and stepped towards him with his arms outstretched.
- What's the matter? – he said, perplexed. “To look at you, you’d think someone had died.”
Nelson's face contorted:
“Didn’t you listen to the radio on the way?”
- No. My tape recorder was working. And what? “He was suddenly seized by panic. -What the hell happened?
He glanced at the small TV in the corner on the shelf. It was there that mother and father were looking when he entered.
Tate took a convulsive breath and exhaled just as sharply.
– There is no confirmation yet what kind of flight it was, but it is believed that...
Nelson fell silent, shaking his head sadly. Zee reached for a paper napkin and pressed it to her mouth.
-Carol's plane? – Tate wheezed. Nelson nodded.
She had difficulty getting out of the gray fog. She convinced herself: there would definitely be a gap behind the fog, even if it was not yet visible. For a moment, she doubted whether she should rush so hard towards this opening, but what was left behind was so terrible that it involuntarily pushed her forward.
Pain surrounded her on all sides. She increasingly returned from blessed oblivion to painful wakefulness, accompanied by such unbearable and all-consuming pain that she could not even understand what exactly was hurting. Everything hurt - inside and out. Pain filled her completely. When it began to seem to her that she could no longer bear it, she again plunged into warm insensibility and the magic elixir flowed through her veins. She fell into a saving oblivion.
However, the glimpses of consciousness became longer and longer over time. Through the veil, muffled sounds reached her. Concentrating as hard as she could, she was able to make them out little by little: the incessant whistling of a ventilator, the incessant beeping of electronic equipment, the squeal of rubber soles on a tiled floor, and the telephone ringing.
Once again regaining consciousness, she heard snippets of conversation.
– Incredible luck... Considering that so much fuel spilled on her... The burns are mostly superficial.
– How long will it take... to react?
– Patience... This kind of injury is reflected more strongly... than on the body...
– What will she look like when... behind?
- Tomorrow... with the surgeon. He will tell you... the whole procedure.
