What does it mean to leave? “Leave in English” - is it beautiful? See what “Leave in English” is in other dictionaries

18.07.2023 Colpitis

In fact, every Russian-speaking person uses the catchphrase in his speech "leave in English". Or at least heard about it.

How this expression came about, what it means and what the British have to do with it will be discussed in this article.

Origin story

Despite the fact that the English appear in the phrase, the expression has French roots. In French it sounds like "filer a l'anglaise". It was used when talking about guests who left the host's house without saying goodbye. In Russian it still has exactly this meaning. Why did the French emphasize the impoliteness of the British?

In fact, the French idiom originated as a response tracing paper. The British, who historically did not like the French, for a whole range of reasons, used the expression “to leave French” in the 17th century during the Seven Years’ War. The idiom was negative and reflected rudeness and bad manners. In addition to quietly leaving without saying goodbye, she also implied an unpaid bill for dinner, and even hinted at the theft of something from the master’s house.

What are the reasons for the mutual negativity of the British and French? The fact is that these neighboring countries are long-time rivals in the global economic and, especially, political arena. There have been periods in history when they were enemies and met on the battlefield. “Leaving the French way” arose just during the period of hostilities, when captured French soldiers hastily left the garrison. The expression was used mockingly and with negative connotations.

Experienced translators know that “leave in English” and “leave in French” are equivalent, synonymous idioms and are translated the same way.

There is another version of the origin of the expression “leave in English.” It is connected with the name of the English lord, Parisian Henry Seymour. This controversial and scandalous character has gone down in history and is known for his characteristics. Henry had a habit of leaving balls and other entertainment events without thanking the hosts for their hospitality and without saying goodbye. But he became famous thanks to his extraordinary and not entirely adequate antics. For example, he could leave the ball, disguised as the owner's coachman, get into trouble on the road, and then flee the scene or watch what was happening from the sidelines. But still this is not the main version.

The British do not admit this habit, attributing it to the French. And they, in turn, accuse the Germans of displaying such blatant impoliteness. In any case, at the moment the expression is used only in Russian. In France and England, the expression has lost its connotation of rejection and has been replaced by the neutral and non-judgmental phrase “to leave without saying goodbye.”

It is impossible to “leave in English” in England. This idiom is not used there. In exactly the same way, the British have nothing to do with the tradition of drinking tea with milk, which was allegedly adopted from them. Phraseologism, borrowed from the British, has survived its source in Russian-speaking countries and is very widespread in spoken and written speech.

Application of phraseological units

So who can leave in English?

This expression is often used to illustrate a suddenly ended romance between a man and a woman. The counterpart, leaving in English, disappears from the lady’s life. Doesn't answer phone calls, ignores instant messengers and letters.

The reasons for this behavior can be completely different. Unpreparedness for serious relationships and responsibility, initially lack of intentions to maintain close relationships, lack of desire to explain your choice, and so on.

It is also appropriate to use this stable combination in relation to a client who has decided to terminate cooperation with the counterparty. This can happen at different stages of a relationship: after the first personal acquaintance, a commercial offer made, the fulfillment of mutual obligations without a hint of disagreement. There may also be a whole bunch of reasons for the behavior of the client-customer.

People don't like and sometimes don't know how to say “no”. Therefore, leaving in English is an ideal way to end cooperation without explanation. This is a kind of strategy for avoiding direct refusal and an attempt to save face in a situation where another business partner is chosen or the impressions from a personal meeting and the experience of cooperation are not 100% satisfactory to the Customer.

In this situation, if you want to continue cooperation, you should ask why the client left in English and try to resuscitate him. If the customer nevertheless agrees to dialogue and voices objective reasons for ignoring continued interaction, then this is a good chance to correct the situation, take a set of measures to build trusting communication, adapt proposals, eliminate errors and shortcomings. If the client does not make contact, preferring to ignore any attempts to enter into dialogue or discuss details, it is worth supporting him in this decision for a while. Then return to trying if something changes for the client or performer.

Synonyms

Synonyms for the expression are the words:

disappear;
leave;
evaporate;
slip away;
leave;
leave;
refuse to cooperate;
end a love story.

Thus, the phraseology “leave in English” has historical roots and an interesting interpretation. It is appropriate to use it in speech depending on the context. It enriches vocabulary and makes speech figurative.

Residents of Foggy Albion do not admit their habit of “leaving in English,” but this does not prevent Russian-speaking people from imparting a certain flavor to their speech, using this expression in communication and business environment. An appropriately used phraseological unit can be called an “antidote” against speech patterns. Of course, the use of catchphrases helps to add brightness to speech and emphasize the individuality and height of intelligence of the speaker.

The expression “to leave in English” is believed to have originated from the French military, who during the Seven Years' War of 1756-1763. left the unit's location without permission. The phrase “to take French leave” then appeared in English. Around the same time, the French - in defiance of the British - began to use an expression similar in meaning in their native language (the English version is “to take English leave”); Mutual accusations between the British and French were quite common. In the 18th century, both phrases were also used when talking about participants in a ball or reception who left without saying goodbye to the hosts/organizers of the event.

Other versions associate the expression with the founder of the Paris Jockey Club, Henry Seymour, known for his ridiculous antics, slang for a thief or a toilet.

Currently, the phrases “to take French leave” and “to take English leave” are rarely used in English speech. Instead, the expression “to leave without saying goodbye” has taken hold in the English-speaking world. At the same time, the expression “leave in English” is used in Russia and some other countries.

Sources

Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable(Millennium Edition; London: Cassell, 1999)

Notes

Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

See what “Leave in English” is in other dictionaries:

This term has other meanings, see Amik (meanings). Mädchen Amick Mädchen Amick ... Wikipedia

This term has other meanings, see Great Britain (meanings). The request for "United Kingdom" is redirected here; see also other meanings. Explanation of the difference between terms such as England, Great Britain, Britain and the United... ... Wikipedia

Adj., used. often Morphology: adv. in English 1. English is everything that is connected with England and the English. English flag. | English traditions. 2. noun English is the English language. Know English perfectly. | With bad... ... Dmitriev's Explanatory Dictionary

ENGLISH, oh, oh. 1. see English. 2. Relating to the English, their language, national character, way of life, culture, as well as England, its territory, internal structure, history; such as the English have, as in England. A. language... ... Ozhegov's Explanatory Dictionary

English: English language Belonging to England or made in England: English Channel Peculiar to the English: Queen of England English Park English Sound English Humor English Horn English Castle English Bulldog English ... Wikipedia

For an explanation of the difference between England, Great Britain, Britain and the United Kingdom, or Ireland, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, the Free State of Ireland and the Kingdom of Ireland, see British Isles... ... Wikipedia

Almost every person has heard the expression “leave in English” at least once in his life. But not everyone thinks about what these words mean, when they are used and where such a phrase came from in the Russian language.

Expression value

The Russian people, when they use the phrase “leave in English,” mean “to leave without saying goodbye” or “to leave quietly, unnoticed.” But the most interesting thing is that the British themselves, when they want to say the same thing, use completely different words - “leave in French.”

In the 18th century, it was believed that guests who quickly left an entertainment event or ball without saying goodbye to their hosts were leaving in English. The British believe that leaving without saying goodbye is typical of the French, and the latter, in turn, blame the Germans for this. This is precisely what explains why the English say: to take French Leave, and the French say filer a l`anglaise. But at the same time, all translators know that both of these phrases are translated into Russian as “leave in English.”

Where did this phrase come from?

Many researchers note that the phrase itself first appeared in the English language during the period. It was at this time that captured French left the territory of the unit, and the British began to contemptuously and sarcastically say “leave in French.” This is how the phrase appeared in English: to take Franch Leave.

Out of spite, the French also introduced such an expression into their speech, however, “turning it over” - filer a l`anglaise. In the 18th century they also called guests who left without saying goodbye to the owners of the house.

There is another version of the origin of the phrase “leave in English.” It is believed that it owes its appearance to the English lord Henry Seymour. He lived in Paris for a long time and had the ugly habit of leaving the house where he was invited without saying goodbye to the owners and other guests. He was considered by many to be an eccentric and a person with oddities. In addition to the habit of leaving in English, which means filer a l`anglaise in French, he could dress up as a coachman, sit in his place, cause mayhem on the roadway, and then watch from the side the events taking place. After this, Henry calmly left.

At the moment, the expression “leave in English” is used only in Russian. The British or French no longer adhere to the same phrases as in the 18th century. So that no one would be offended, they began to say: to leave without saying goodbye, which means “to leave without saying goodbye.”

Now we have learned what the history of the phrase “leave in English” is, what it means when this phrase is used.

A little more about languages

There is also another expression in our language that is not inferior in popularity to the phrase “to leave without saying goodbye, in English.” You have probably heard more than once how parents tell their children: “I speak Russian to you!” So, this expression began to be used after the nobles spoke two languages: Russian and French. They spoke to each other in French, and in Russian they addressed people of the lower strata. And when they ordered them, they said: “I’m speaking to you in Russian,” thereby strengthening the effect of the order.

“Leave gracefully in English” or parting without goodbye

Often the phrase “leaves in English” began to be used in relationships between a man and a woman. Basically, this is what representatives of the stronger half of humanity do, who flee without explanation. At the same time, the woman becomes upset, she is in a depressed mood, she waits for her beloved to come to his senses. But this doesn't happen. Why then do men disappear from her life?

Leaving without saying goodbye is still more common in English for males. A man may stop calling, ignore your attempts to meet, avoid meeting your mutual friends, and will not pick up the phone. By this he shows that he would like to leave and start a new life, but the woman often does not even know about it. This situation becomes very unpleasant for her, and it is quite natural that she tries to find out the reason for such departure in English.

Maybe we should talk?

A woman has the right to know from her. But male representatives do not always want to report this. Below are a few reasons why men run away without saying goodbye.

He is afraid that things will go too far and a serious relationship will begin. He doesn’t need a wedding, family and other “joys”.
A man values no one but himself. He cannot even imagine that he can love someone more than himself, so he breaks up with his companion.
A man likes to date women, but he does not want to tie the knot. He likes that the lady takes care of him, feeds him, gives him water, but as soon as something more serious is planned, he leaves.

Now you know what the expression “leave in English” means, where it came from in the Russian language and when it is used. You also know how men leave women’s lives in English, and why this happens so often to modern representatives of the fair sex.

Filer à l’anglaise - this is how the phrase “Leave in English” sounds in the original. But, oddly enough, this phrase is pronounced in French, and not in English. The fact is that the phrase “Leave in English” belongs to the French.

This expression owes its appearance to French prisoners of war, who during the Seven Years' War independently left the unit's location. And then the British came up with a caustic expression: “To take French leave” (to leave in French). In turn, the French, in retaliation against the British, turned this expression around, and it became “Filer à l’anglaise” (in English it sounds: “To take English leave”), which means “Leave in English.”

What does it mean to leave in English?

Leaving in English means leaving without saying goodbye. In the eighteenth century, this was the name given to those who did not say goodbye to the hosts and left the ball. There are two versions for this case:

One is related to the difference in etiquette between the French and the British. It is believed that when leaving a dinner party, it was not customary for the British to say goodbye to their hosts.
Another thing is that there was such a tradition in France.

However, the British attribute this bad habit to the French, and they in turn to the Germans.

Love goes away quietly in English

A serious relationship comes with responsibility. Not all people can enter into these relationships or maintain them. Often people can’t stand it and avoid serious problems in English.

Unfortunately, it happens that they loved, lived together, helped, and suddenly one day the beloved did not come home. And as it turned out, he had been feeling bad with you for a long time, and he simply left without saying goodbye in English.

Men often explain their disappearance by saying that this is the only way to preserve the possibility of returning. And if it does, then, as a rule, girls forgive their loved ones everything. Well, if they still disappear, there is no need to despair. Of course you should find out if your loved one is okay, if he is alive and well. If everything is fine with him, but he ignores you, then forget him and don't wait.

So, why do men leave in English? Yes, because it’s simply difficult for men, looking into your eyes, to say that he has come. It’s easier for them to say: “I’ll call you tomorrow” and leave than: “Goodbye, we’re breaking up.” This saves them from a showdown, as well as your hysterics, tears and reproaches. It’s easier for a man to leave silently, without explaining anything, than to listen to all this.

Unfortunately, not all relationships end in marriage. There are breakups and difficult experiences.

Etymology of the phrase

Leave in English - this is a stable expression that appeared a long time ago in France, and, more precisely, in the eighteenth century during the Seven Years' War, when French soldiers could leave without explaining to anyone. Others associate the phrase “to leave in English” with the people of England during the period of feasts and balls, when any of those present could leave the meeting place for the ball without telling anyone anything. That is, the people of France are pointing the finger at the British, and they, in turn, are talking about the irresponsibility and negligence of the French.

One way or another, the phrase " leave in English"has survived to this day and entered the lexicons of many people.

When can you use the phrase leave in English?

You should not use this phrase unnecessarily, not in essence, just because you have learned new words. Any stable expression needs to be said in the right way, to those people, in relation to certain things. For example, the phrase leave in English is used if a person left you without first explaining anything.

This expression can be used in a story to your friend when you talk about last night: “He looked at me like that, no one had paid attention to me before like this young man. I took a couple of glances at him too. After about twenty minutes he finally came up to me. We had a nice conversation, I flirted with him, he even tried to casually touch me.

Who can leave in English?

Who can leave someone you don’t like without saying goodbye? Here the problem is different - are you sure that you will never see him again? Because leaving without saying goodbye to, say, a friend is highly unacceptable for your strong friendship; leaving your beloved girl without words is ugly; leaving without saying “thank you for meeting, goodbye” from your acquaintances is, at a minimum, uncivilized. Leaving in English, knowing that you will return, is uncivilized and no one needs it. What should you communicate about your departure? These are just words that will leave behind a reputation as a person brought up by the best methods.

When can you leave in English?

Here you can leave without words:

- if you met in a nightclub an old, well, very old acquaintance who was never pleasant to you. And so do you. And now you are both trying to pretend to your acquaintances that you were almost best friends in your school/university years. Then, taking advantage of the opportunity (when an old acquaintance goes to a bar for a cocktail, for example), you can quietly leave.

- If you are so tired of your relationship with a person that you don’t even have the strength to explain anything to your partner. But, of course, it is better not to bring the relationship to such a state. Put yourself in the shoes of the person who was left without an explanation. In the worst case, your partner may think that you were kidnapped or, in general, killed. In general, if a person is good and has always been pleasant to you, but recently you have become depressed by his affection and care, then it is better to leave the person after talking with him first. Explain that it is not he/she who is bad, but that you are not yet ready for a relationship. You will have five minutes of coercion, and the person will feel better than after you left in English.

- You can leave without explanation when you have been offended . Leave here without looking back! For if you are a woman and a man has offended you, such a man has no place next to you. In this case, let him look for a submissive slave whom he can call and call as he wishes.

Leave in English, what does it mean, origin

How to leave gracefully in English?

If initially you knew that you wouldn’t be with this person for a long time and soon you realized that, in principle, this moment of leaving had arrived, then just leave. But you shouldn’t leave in English and think that this will hook your partner if he doesn’t remember anything about you. You need to create a fairy tale with a person who is in love with you. Give him affection and care, sincere smiles and warmth, all your love, and then leave suddenly and forever!

But remember that you too may find yourself in your partner’s shoes. Imagine the same situation - would it be pleasant for you to know that the person you madly loved and doted on has disappeared and will never return? u

Homemade baking recipes with photos - step-by-step master classes