Phraseologism "to dance to someone else's tune" is used in Russian so often that it has become native to native speakers. But what is the origin and meaning of this phrase? Read the article to the end and you will know the story of the catchphrase.
Meaning of the phrase
First, let's figure out what the meaning of the expression "dance to someone else's tune" is. As a rule, they say this when it comes to people acting according to someone else's will, obeying someone. And usually this phrase has a negative connotation.
Origin of expression
If you thought that this is a phrase of Russian or Slavic origin, then you are deeply mistaken. The roots of phraseology lie in ancient Greek history.
Greek historian Herodotus once retold the well-known legend about the fisherman and fish as follows: the Persian king Cyrus went to war against the Greeks in Media. The Medes were defeated by the Persians and offered an alliance. To confirm the alliance, the Greek ambassadors arrived at the court of Cyrus, and he told them a parable.
One musician wanted to make the fish dance on the shore, and forthis he began to play the flute. But the fish did not live up to his expectations. Then the musician got angry, took the net and threw it into the water, and then, looking at how the fish beat in the nets, he said that they were late with the dance, they should have done it while he was playing the pipe.
With this parable, Cyrus made it clear to the messengers that they now began to dance to someone else's tune.
The above expression is also found in the Gospel of Matthew. Jesus told people about the holiness of John the Baptist. But the people doubted his righteousness. Then Christ said that those who do not hear his sermons and do not accept John the Baptist are deaf and look like passers-by on the streets to whom street musicians turn: "We play for you, but you do not dance …" (that is, you do not want to do our will).
Conclusion
The expression "dance to someone else's tune" has a rich history of origin. Now you know where it came from and how to use phraseology correctly.
