несолоно хлебавши

Russian

Etymology

Literally, “having eaten (supped) unsalted (i.e. unsalted food)”, from the time when bread and salt were expensive and were given by a host only to honourable/honorable guests.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): [nʲɪˈsoɫənə xlʲɪˈbafʂɨ]

Phrase

несо́лоно хлеба́вши • (nesólono xlebávši)

  1. (idiomatic) empty-handed (having given or received nothing)
    Synonym: с пусты́ми рука́ми (s pustými rukámi)
    Футболи́сты верну́лись домо́й несо́лоно хлеба́вши.
    Futbolísty vernúlisʹ domój nesólono xlebávši.
    The soccer players returned home empty-handed.
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