Phraseologisms enrich our speech. They appear in different ways. They come from literature, are associated with historical events and persons, are folk art. But sometimes their etymology is quite simple and banal. As an example, we can cite the phraseological unit "henbane to overeat." However, perhaps not everyone knows its interpretation. Therefore, in our article we will consider the definition and etymology of this stable expression.
"Helen ate too much": the meaning of phraseology
To define the expression, we turn to dictionaries: explanatory by S. I. Ozhegov and phraseological ones from the compilers of Rosa T. V. and Stepanova M. I.
Sergey Ivanovich gives the following definition of the phraseological unit under consideration “henbane overate”: “completely stupefied”. The author notes that the expression is colloquial.
Roze T. V. gives readers the following meaning: "to say something absurd, to do unreasonable things."
Stepanova M. I. interprets the expression as follows: "he was completely mad, he stopped thinking." Notes that it is rude and colloquial.
Thus, the authors of these dictionaries give a similar meaning to the phraseological unit we are considering. It characterizes the state of insanity, unreasonable actions.
The meaning of a phraseological unit is closely related to the plant that is mentioned in it. More on this later.
Origin of expression
The etymology of the idiom "henbane ate too much" is quite simple. Everyone knows that nothing good will come from eating a poisonous plant. But this is exactly what the expression is about.
"Bellena is a poisonous weed," notes S. I. Ozhegov in the explanatory dictionary. It is from the nightshade family, with purple-yellow flowers and a stupefying smell. Used in medicine.
Roze T. V. informs readers in his phraseological dictionary that the plant is often found among the herbs of the middle and southern strip of Russia. Henbane contains alkaloids and is very poisonous in large doses. When ingested, these poisons cause intense arousal, hallucinations, and disrupt speech. In connection with such characteristics of the plant and its impact on humans, the expression we are considering appeared. About a person who has poor control over his speech, behavior, actions, they say that he behaves as if he had eaten too much henbane.
Use
The expression "henbane overate" can be found most often in fiction and in the print media. When someone's behavior or statements make you wonder if the person has gone crazy, this expression is used. It can be found in headlines and between lines. Thus, writers and journalists figuratively, notrude hint that something is not right with the person.
However, not only pen masters use this expression. In the speech of various political and sports figures, public figures, this phraseological unit is also sometimes used. However, like other various stable phrases that help to figuratively and succinctly express your point of view.
Conclusion
To consider the expression "henbane ate too much" we turned to three different dictionaries. They noted the meaning of the phraseological unit and its origin.
It is not known who first said this expression. However, there is no doubt that the reason for such a statement is clear. After all, henbane negatively affects the state of a person and disrupts his perception and actions. So they say about people whose actions look crazy, that they ate too much of the same henbane.
The figurative expression is found in the speeches of public people, in the works of writers and journalists.
Given its negative connotation and crude meaning, it is reserved for special occasions.
