The meaning of the phraseology "between Scylla and Charybdis", the history of origin

Some stable combinations of words come to us from ancient Greek myths. In this article we will consider the meaning of the phraseology "between Scylla and Charybdis". In addition, we learn how he relates to the myths of ancient Greece.

"Between Scylla and Charybdis": the meaning of expression

To determine the meaning of this stable phrase, let us turn to phraseological dictionaries compiled by Rosa T. V. & Stepanova M.I.

In the first, the following interpretation is given: "a difficult risky position, when the danger threatens on both sides." This value is given to us by Rose T.

Stepanova MI in his dictionary leads the definition: "be between equivalent dangers."

Thus, we can conclude: the importance of phraseology "between Scylla and Charybdis" is a threat from two sides. At the same time, the danger from any position is equivalent.

How did the phraseology "between Scylla and Charybdis"

He came to our speech from ancient Greek mythology. Scylla and Charybdis were called two rocks in which monsters dwelt. They guarded the narrow Straits of Messina between the island of Sicily and the Apennine peninsula. These monsters eat seafarers. When the sailors tried to dodge the teeth of one monster, they inevitably fell into the mouth of another.

In fact, there were no terrible inhabitants. In fact, it was a question of two cliffs on both sides of the Messinian Gulf, which was dangerous with underwater rocks and whirlpools.

However, the names of the invented monsters became winged, and the expression under consideration was formed. Now it means a great danger, when something terrible up to the death can be expected from all sides.

It is worth noting that in mythology the height of the Scylla rock reached the sky. The monster that lived in it was awesome. It had twelve paws and six heads. He had already three mouths with huge teeth. It eerily screamed out loud and caught everyone in a row: from navigators to marine inhabitants. At the same time, up to six people could be captured at once.

As for Charybdis, in this rock the monster was a water goddess. She was angry and cruel and drowned in the whirlpools of seafarers.

There is a myth in which Odysseus and his team had to swim across this strait. To save himself and save everyone, he decided to pass by the cliff of Scylla. This choice is made because Charybdum would drown all at once. It would not be possible to survive in any case. And Scylla could capture no more than six people. Odyssey managed to turn the situation around so that the monster did not eat anyone. This is the myth.

Synonyms of expression

From similar in meaning stable combinations it is possible to result such, for example, as "between two fires", "between a hammer and an anvil". They also mean an equal danger on both sides, a hopeless situation. That is, if the threat can be avoided on the one hand, then you will necessarily fall into the power of hostile forces on the other. This is the meaning of the phraseology "between Scylla and Charybdis."

The use of expression

This phraseology is used by writers and journalists. Among them can be identified ME Saltykov-Shchedrin, Victor Hugo, the Strugatsky brothers, Homer. Especially actively use the expression in print media. The meaning of the phraseology "between Scylla and Charybdis" is such that its use allows journalists to convey a critical situation when someone is between two fires.

Conclusion

Ancient Greek mythology has made a great contribution to world culture. She diversified our language, giving us various phraseological units. They are actively used in our speech and help to express themselves more clearly and clearly.