гол как сокол

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Russian

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Etymology

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Literally, naked as a battering ram.

Pronunciation

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  • IPA(key): [ˈɡoɫ kak sɐˈkoɫ]

Adjective

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го́л как соко́л (gól kak sokól)

  1. (simile) absolutely poor (but crafty, resourceful, street-smart)

Usage notes

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  • In this simile, соко́л (sokól) does not mean "falcon" (со́кол (sókol, falcon) is stressed on the first syllable), but an old device for breaking walls.
  • The phrase can be extended to (revealing the implied meaning):
    го́л как соко́л, а остёр, как топо́рgól kak sokól, a ostjór, kak topórnaked as a battering ram but sharp as an axe
    го́л как соко́л, а остёр, как бри́тваgól kak sokól, a ostjór, kak brítvanaked as a battering ram but sharp as a razor

See also

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