Liliputin - 5603

The best way to put someone in to his place is to hold his feet to the fire ... "
Malyuta Skuratov

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Liliputins. What, the heck, is this?
http://stihi.ru/2021/11/24/7101


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put someone in his/her place
idiom
: to say or do something to show someone that he or she is not better than other people and should not be acting in such a confident and proud way
He told her to stop talking, but she quickly put him in his place.

WATCH TRUMP’S FACE as He’s Finally PUT IN HIS PLACE!

поставить на место

кого.; осадить, заставить вести себя подобающим образом ;  — Ты хозяин в космосе, а не на земле, — поставил его на место генерал. Е. А. Евтушенко, «Волчий паспорт», 1999 г. [НКРЯ]
восстановить логичный порядок ; Но жизнь быстро всё поставила на место, и выяснилось, что хорошая школа — это не только хорошие учителя, а множество дополнительных моментов. Беседа О. Бычковой с М. Бергером, Б. Старцевым и А. Вильсоном в прямом эфире «Эха Москвы», 2003 г. [НКРЯ]
Синонимы
осадить
расставить по местам, расставить по своим местам; частичн.: вернуться на круги своя

восстановить статус кво


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Understanding the Idiom: "hold someone's feet to the fire" - Meaning, Origins, and Usage
Category: H
Author: James Anderson
Pronunciation:
Idiom language: English
Etymology: From the implied threat of physical harm by burning.
 
When we hear the phrase “hold someone’s feet to the fire,” it may conjure up images of actual physical torture. However, in reality, this idiom is used figuratively to describe a situation where someone is being held accountable for their actions or words. It can also refer to putting pressure on someone to make them follow through on a promise or commitment.

Contents
The Origins of “Hold Someone’s Feet to the Fire”
Meanings and Uses
Origins and Historical Context of the Idiom “hold someone’s feet to the fire”
Usage and Variations of the Idiom “hold someone’s feet to the fire”
Synonyms, Antonyms, and Cultural Insights for the Idiom “hold someone’s feet to the fire”
Practical Exercises for the Idiom “hold someone’s feet to the fire”
Exercise 1: Role Play
Exercise 2: Writing Practice
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using the Idiom “hold someone’s feet to the fire”
Avoid Taking It Literally
Avoid Overusing It
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The Origins of “Hold Someone’s Feet to the Fire”
The exact origin of this idiom is unclear but it is believed to have originated from medieval times when people were punished by having their feet placed over hot coals or flames. This was done as a form of torture or punishment for crimes such as heresy or witchcraft.


Over time, the phrase evolved into its current figurative meaning which refers more broadly to holding someone accountable for their actions or words. The use of fire in this context symbolizes pressure and intensity.

Meanings and Uses
“Hold someone’s feet to the fire” can be used in different ways depending on the context. Here are some common meanings:

– To hold someone accountable: When you hold someone’s feet to the fire, you are making sure that they take responsibility for their actions or decisions.

– To apply pressure: This idiom can also mean putting pressure on someone so that they fulfill a promise or commitment.

– To challenge: Sometimes holding someone’s feet to the fire means challenging them by asking tough questions or demanding proof of their claims.


This idiom can be used in various situations such as in business, politics, and personal relationships. For example, a boss may hold an employee’s feet to the fire to ensure that they complete a project on time. A politician may hold another accountable for their statements during a debate. In personal relationships, holding someone’s feet to the fire could mean asking them to prove their love or commitment.

Origins and Historical Context of the Idiom “hold someone’s feet to the fire”
The idiom “hold someone’s feet to the fire” is a popular phrase used in English language, which means to put pressure on someone or hold them accountable for their actions. This phrase has been used for centuries and has its roots in ancient practices.

In many cultures, people would use fire as a form of punishment or torture. They would tie up an individual and place their feet near a burning flame, causing immense pain and discomfort. This practice was often used as a way to extract information or force confessions from individuals who were suspected of committing crimes.


Over time, this practice evolved into a metaphorical expression that is commonly used today. The phrase “hold someone’s feet to the fire” is now used figuratively to mean holding someone accountable for their actions or making sure they follow through on their promises.

The historical context behind this idiom highlights how language evolves over time and how phrases can take on new meanings based on cultural practices and societal norms. Today, this idiom continues to be widely used in everyday conversations as well as in political discourse, where accountability is often emphasized.

Usage and Variations of the Idiom “hold someone’s feet to the fire”
When we say that someone is holding another person’s feet to the fire, we mean that they are putting pressure on them to perform a certain action or make a decision. This idiom is often used in situations where there is a sense of urgency or when something important needs to be done.

There are several variations of this idiom that can be used depending on the context. For example, instead of saying “hold someone’s feet to the fire,” you could say:

– Put pressure on someone


– Hold someone accountable

– Make someone face the consequences

– Push someone to take action

Each variation conveys a similar idea but may be more appropriate in different situations.

One common way this idiom is used is in business settings. Employers may hold their employees’ feet to the fire by setting strict deadlines or expectations for performance. Similarly, clients may hold vendors’ feet to the fire by demanding high-quality products or services within a tight timeframe.

Another way this idiom can be applied is in personal relationships. Parents may hold their children’s feet to the fire by pushing them to succeed academically or socially. Friends may hold each other’s feet to the fire by encouraging one another to pursue their goals and dreams.


Synonyms, Antonyms, and Cultural Insights for the Idiom “hold someone’s feet to the fire”
When it comes to idioms, understanding their meaning is just one part of the puzzle. To truly grasp an idiom’s nuances and cultural significance, it’s important to explore its synonyms and antonyms. By doing so, we can gain a more complete picture of how people use this expression in everyday conversation.

One synonym for “hold someone’s feet to the fire” is “put pressure on.” This phrase conveys a similar idea of applying force or coercion to get someone to do something they might not want to do. Another synonym is “hold accountable,” which emphasizes the idea that there are consequences for failing to meet expectations.

On the other hand, some antonyms for this idiom include phrases like “let off the hook” or “give a free pass.” These expressions suggest that there are no consequences or accountability for someone who fails to meet expectations or fulfill their obligations.


Culturally speaking, this idiom has roots in ancient practices such as torture and interrogation. While these methods are no longer acceptable in modern society, the phrase still carries a sense of urgency and intensity when used today. It suggests that there is a high level of expectation placed on individuals or organizations and that failure will not be tolerated.

Practical Exercises for the Idiom “hold someone’s feet to the fire”
Exercise 1: Role Play
In this exercise, divide into pairs and take turns playing the role of a boss or manager who needs to hold an employee accountable for their actions. Use the idiom “hold someone’s feet to the fire” in your conversation, and practice using it in different contexts.


Exercise 2: Writing Practice
In this exercise, write a short story or dialogue that incorporates the idiom “hold someone’s feet to the fire”. Be creative with your writing and try to use different variations of the idiom. Share your writing with others and receive feedback on how well you incorporated the idiom into your writing.

By practicing these exercises, you will gain a better understanding of how to use the idiom “hold someone’s feet to the fire” in everyday conversations. These practical exercises will help you feel more confident when using idioms in English language communication.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using the Idiom “hold someone’s feet to the fire”

When using idioms, it is important to understand their meaning and context. The idiom “hold someone’s feet to the fire” is often used in situations where someone is being held accountable for their actions or decisions. However, there are some common mistakes that people make when using this idiom.

Avoid Taking It Literally
The first mistake that people make when using this idiom is taking it too literally. Holding someone’s feet to an actual fire would be a form of torture and is not what the idiom means. Instead, it means putting pressure on someone to take responsibility for their actions or decisions.

Avoid Overusing It
Another mistake that people make when using this idiom is overusing it. While it can be effective in certain situations, using it too frequently can dilute its impact and make it less meaningful. It’s important to use idioms sparingly and only when they are appropriate.

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Malyuta Skuratov

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

You can help expand this article with text translated from the corresponding article in Russian. (June 2020) Click [show] for important translation instructions.

«Ivan the Terrible and Malyuta Skuratov», by Grigory Sedov.
Grigory Lukyanovich Skuratov-Belskiy (Russian: Григорий Лукьянович Скуратов-Бельский),[1] better known as Malyuta Skuratov (Малюта Скуратов) (? – January 1, 1573) was one of the most odious leaders of the Oprichnina during the reign of Ivan the Terrible.

Biography

Malyuta Skuratov approaches Philip II in order to kill him
Malyuta Skuratov rose to prominence in 1569 for his role in the trial and execution of Prince Vladimir of Staritsa, Ivan IV's only cousin and a possible claimant to the throne of the Tsardom of Russia.[2]

In December 1569, by order of Ivan the Terrible, Malyuta Skuratov strangled a former Metropolitan of Moscow, Philip II (in office: 1566–1568) for his criticism of the Oprichnina.[3]

In January 1571 Skuratov led a punitive expedition against Novgorod, killing thousands of its citizens on suspicion of treason. In 1571 Skuratov was put in charge of the investigation into the causes of the Russian army's defeat by the army of the Crimean Khan Devlet I Giray.[4]

Malyuta Skuratov was killed during the siege of Weissenstein (present-day Paide in Estonia) in the Livonian War in 1573. He lies buried near the grave of his father Lukian Afanasyevich Belskiy (Russian: Лукьян Афанасьевич Бельский) in the Joseph-Volokolamsk Monastery.[5]

One of Skuratov's daughters, Maria Grigorievna, married the boyar Boris Godunov[5] in 1570 and thus became Tsaritsa as the consort of Godunov in 1598. His other daughter, Yekaterina Grigorievna Shuiskaya [ru], who poisoned Mikhail Skopin-Shuisky in 1610,[citation needed] married Prince Dmitry Ivanovich Skopin-Shuisky in 1572.

Media
Movies
Ivan the Terrible (1944/1958; portrayed by Mikhail Zharov)
Tsar Ivan the Terrible (1991), portrayed by Andrey Martynov
Tsar, a 2009 Russian drama film directed by Pavel Lungin.
Literature
The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov: in the chapter entitled "Satan's Great Ball", Bulgakov makes a passing but arguably important reference to the figure of Skuratov.
References
 "Григорий Яковлевич Плещеев-Бельский – по сведениям В. О. Ключевского". Archived from the original on 2012-02-23. Retrieved 2016-06-04.
 Генрих Штаден. О Москве Ивана Грозного. М. и С. Сабашниковы. 1925
 Florinsky, Michael, T. (1966). "8". Russia: A History and an Interpretation. Vol. 1 (11 ed.). New York: The Macmillan Company. p. 184.
 Заплечных дел мастер Archived 2012-06-12 at the Wayback Machine
 "Электронная библиотека. Иван Грозный". Archived from the original on 2018-04-07. Retrieved 2016-06-04.