Sunday23 February 2025
nku.in.ua

Why do we say "bitting the log" when referring to laziness? Discover the history and origin of this expression.

The idiom "бить баклуши" today signifies idleness and leisure activities. However, its original meaning was quite different and was related to craftsmanship.
Почему фраза «бить баклуши» ассоциируется с ленью? Узнайте о ее происхождении и истории использования этого выражения.
The idiom "to beat the bush" today signifies idleness and leisurely pastimes. However, this expression originally had a completely different meaning related to craftsmanship.

This information comes from Glavpost.

The roots of the phrase trace back to ancient times and are linked to woodworking. "Bush" referred to wooden blanks that were later crafted into spoons, ladles, and other wooden items. The process of making them was considered quite simple and was entrusted even to teenagers or novice workers. The phrase "to beat the bush" specifically referred to this task — chopping wood into blanks.

Over time, the expression took on a figurative meaning. Since the work was uncomplicated and did not require much effort, a belief emerged among the people that those engaged in such activities were essentially being idle. Thus, the phrase became associated with laziness and inactivity.

Today, "to beat the bush" is a fixed expression that means doing nothing, engaging in leisure activities, or simulating work. However, the historical origin of the phrase reminds us that even the simplest and most monotonous tasks once held significant importance.

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