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Meaning: To postpone or shelve something indefinitely, leaving it forgotten.
Language: Russian
Literally: to set aside in a long drawer
Category: Daily Life
Origin: A long drawer is a metaphor for a place where things disappear from view and are left untouched; the image suggests procrastination that amounts to permanent abandonment.
More idioms — Daily Life
- на все четыре стороны — In any direction one wishes; to go wherever one pleases.
- лежачий полицейский — A speed bump or traffic calming device.
- один с сошкой, а семеро с ложкой — many people live off the labor of one worker.
- зарывать свой талант в землю — to waste or hide one's natural gifts instead of using them.
- своя рубашка ближе к телу — self-interest comes before charity; one should prioritize one's own welfare and family.
- ходить вокруг да около — To avoid speaking plainly; to approach a subject indirectly or evasively.
More Russian idioms
- ездить в Тулу со своим самоваром — To do something entirely pointless or unnecessary, bringing what is already abundant in t…
- надуться как мышь на крупу — To become angry or offended; to sulk or huff indignantly.
- пудрить мозги — To mislead someone with false or nonsensical talk; to deceive or confuse deliberately.
- сила есть — ума не надо — a person who is physically strong but intellectually weak or stupid.
- в лес дрова возить — to do something pointless or redundant; to offer something to someone who already has ple…
- сражаться с ветряными мельницами — To struggle against imaginary or futile enemies; to waste effort on impossible causes.
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