What does the expression "who does not risk - he does not drink champagne"
What does the expression "who does not risk - he does not drink champagne"
Some of the well-known phraseological units areIt is difficult to understand if you do not know the history and customs of society. Ignorance of history distorts the true meaning of the statement, which can sometimes put the citing person in an awkward position.
The phraseological "who does not take risks, does not drink champagne" can be perceived as a direct relationship between a risky enterprise and the acceptance of alcoholic beverages, in this case champagne.
One of the explanations
One explanation of the expression connects him withgambling in the casino. Allegedly, in some cereal establishments a losing player who played "big", that is, risked, relied on the bonus from the establishment in the form of a bottle of champagne. The explanation is quite logical, if at least somewhere in the literature there was a reflection of this custom. However, neither Pushkin, nor Dostoevsky, nor anyone else from the writers of the XIX century, dealing with the theme of gambling, there is not a word about this practice. Even if somewhere such a custom existed, it was atypical and could hardly have engendered phraseology.Champagne as a symbol of victory
It is clear that speech in this expression is about riskand a reward for it. But why champagne? And here, perhaps, it is worth following the history of this drink. About the creation of champagne there is a lot of information, so it is advisable just to trace its way of conquering the market. As a truly French work, champagne first came on the table of the French aristocracy and personally the king of Louis XIV. Limited production volumes made champagne an exclusive drink of Versailles, and the main toast - "For the King!". Gradually, the champagne along with this statement moved to the battlefields in which the French nobility took an active part. Champagne was actively used in honor of the next victory of the Sun King, and it became closely associated with victories. Fashion for everything French was logically transferred to the use of champagne. Since this drink in Russia was even less affordable, it was drunk only in exceptional cases and only by the select audience. Thus, champagne became the symbol of victory. To drink it means to celebrate the victory.Risk is a noble cause
To win, you need to take a chance - perhaps,this is the most logical explanation of the meaning of the expression "who does not risk, he does not drink champagne." By the way, Napoleon attributed the phrase, debunking the exclusive meaning of the drink: "In victory you deserve champagne, in defeat you need it." That is, champagne, like any alcoholic beverage, can be used for celebration, and as a comforting remedy.
