Symbols and Concepts as Instruments of Metaphorical Meaning in Idiomatic Expressions: the Figurative Value of Honey, Fire and Sand in Different Languages
Symbols and Concepts as Instruments of Metaphorical Meaning in Idiomatic Expressions: the Figurative Value of Honey, Fire and Sand in Different Languages

Summary/Abstract: Idiomatic expressions carry metaphorical meaning, which is achieved by means of stylistic and semantic instruments such as symbols and concepts, that are functionally subordinated to the metaphor. This paper emphasizes the difference between the three notions and illustrates the relationship between them, using idiomatic expressions from different languages as examples. The selected expressions are centered on three entities that acquire figurative value – honey, fire and sand, which are analyzed from a comparative point of view, for the purpose of distinguishing symbolic load and conceptual meaning. Another focus is on achieving a multilingual perspective on the realization and perception of metaphorical meaning in idioms.

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