In this article we will consider the meaning of the word "embrasure", as well as the phrase "climb the embrasure". Many have probably heard this expression, but perhaps not everyone fully understands its meaning. What interesting facts are associated with this phrase and what does it mean? Let's try to deal with these issues.
Meaning of the word "embrasure"
The word "embrasure" is of French origin. In French, it sounds like embrasure. The embrasure is literally translated “opening”, “recess”. It is an open hole (which is often equipped with a special shutter to protect against bullets and enemy fragments) in a defensive structure, as well as in armored towers. It is intended for firing from cannons, machine guns, mortars. The size and shape of the embrasure depends on the type of weapon used, the conditions in which the shooting takes place, and also on the sector of fire.
The difference between an embrasure and a loophole is that the former is intended for combat operations fromstationary guns, and the second - from hand weapons (pistol, gun, rifle, etc.). Most often, there are no protective devices in the loophole, and in the loopholes, as a rule, they are.
Climbing the embrasure: the meaning of the expression
The word "embrasure" is now mainly used in such a phrase "to climb (throw) on the embrasure". What does embrasure mean, we have already figured it out. The expression "throw on the embrasure" means to commit some kind of noble deed to the detriment of oneself. Moreover, the act performed in this case, as a rule, is useless and does not bring benefits.
When is this expression used? It is used to characterize the actions of a person who, contrary to common sense, puts himself at risk in the name of high goals, while not calculating the real consequences of what is happening and, to some extent, sacrifices himself.
Interesting facts
Another meaning of the expression "climbing the embrasure" is to cover yourself. Since the Great Patriotic War, many stories about the heroic deeds of Soviet soldiers have been preserved. One of them, about the young hero Alexander Matrosov, occupies a special place. His feat consisted in the fact that when the Soviet battalion came under fire, 19-year-old Alexander crept up to the enemy's bunker, from which the Nazis poured fire on the soldiers and threw a couple of grenades there. The fire died down, but when the Soviet units went on the attack, the shooting resumed. Then Alexander threw his body into the embrasure, thus covering his comrades from fire. Hero TitleSoviet Union was awarded to Matrosov posthumously.
As is known from various reliable sources, during the Great Patriotic War, not only Alexander Matrosov accomplished such a feat. There were still many brave and desperate Soviet soldiers who did not spare their lives for the sake of victory, and literally covered their comrades from the fire with their own bodies. But it was the feat of Alexander Matrosov that became the most famous in the entire history of World War II.
What other phrases are there with the word "embrasure"? Synonym for this expression
In addition to the phrase "to climb into the embrasure", there is also this: "to push into the embrasure". In this context, this expression means the same thing as throwing yourself at an embrasure, but with the only difference that in the first case a person consciously makes such a decision and the initiative belongs to him, and in the other case he is forced to do so. There are various reasons for compulsion. For example, stronger people who have a certain influence on a person. Through blackmail or other forms of coercion, they can push their victim to commit a reckless act, having some kind of selfish goals.
Pushing to reckless actions can also be circumstances that have developed in a certain way, when in order to solve a problem, you need to go to the embrasure. This usually happens when there are no more less risky ways to uphold justice.
Synonymous with the expression "throw on the embrasure"the phrase "climb on the rampage" can come out. In both cases, we are talking about the fact that a person puts himself at risk, sometimes completely unjustified. Such people are either completely reckless, or great altruists, or caught in extraordinary circumstances that force them to such actions.
Conclusion
If we take into account peacetime, then in fact there are not so many people now who are ready to rush into the embrasure. It's not that surprising. He althy (and not so) selfishness keeps the bulk of the population from such rash acts. However, even in the modern pragmatic world there are those who throw their chests at the embrasure in the name of truth. Many consider such people to be fools, because they do not always succeed in achieving it, and often they needlessly bring trouble on themselves. However, it is precisely such people that make others think that the protest against injustice and the willingness to sacrifice oneself are not empty words, and all these manifestations of human nature have a place at any time and for any mores.