The book examines the history and etymology of many Russian figurative expressions in a lively and accessible form: pechki-lavochki, zamorit chervyachka, vse ivanovskaya, na slo svobodno, etc. Particular attention is paid to linguistic riddles that require special commentary: to go home, brains on one side, tyutelka v tyutelka, on all fours, etc. When interpreting words and expressions, the author refers to the facts of the material and spiritual culture of the Russian people. For students, postgraduates and teachers of philological faculties of universities, teachers of literature.