SEMANTICS IN PHRASEOLOGY

INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC AND PRACTICAL CONFERENCE “INTEGRATION OF MODERN LINGUISTICS WITH SCIENCE, EDUCATION, AND PRACTICE IN THE PROCESS OF GLOBALIZATION: NEW APPROACHES, OPPORTUNITIES, AND CHALLENGES”, DECEMBER 4, 2025 256 SEMANTICS IN PHRASEOLOGY Qosimova Mekhriniso Maqsud qizi, Latipova Shahruza Rashid qizi, Pardaboyeva Ziyoda Vohid qizi, Qudratova Sabina Furqatovna, Utayeva Malika Akmalovna Navoi State University Foreign Language and Literature https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17803087 Abstract. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the interaction between semantics and phraseology. It examines the semantic features of phraseological units, including idiomaticity, metaphorical motivation, cultural meaning, and polysemy. The study highlights how idioms and fixed expressions develop figurative meanings that cannot be interpreted literally, and how conceptual metaphors and cultural scripts shape their semantic structure. Key Words: phraseology, semantics, idiomatic expressions, metaphorical meaning, cultural semantics, polysemy, Conceptual Metaphor Theory, cognitive linguistics, translation equivalence, fixed expressions. Annotatsiya. Ushbu maqolada frazeologiya va semantika o‘rtasidagi o‘zaro bog‘liqlik chuqur ilmiy tahlil qilinadi. Frazeologik birliklarning ma’nodagi o‘ziga xosligi, idiomatik xususiyatlari, metaforik asoslari hamda madaniy-ma’noviy jihatlari ko‘rib chiqiladi. Shuningdek, idiomlar va barqaror birikmalarning semantik shaffofligi, polisemiyasi, metaforik motivatsiyasi va ularning tarjima jarayonidagi murakkabliklari yoritiladi. Kalit so‘zlar: frazeologiya, semantika, idiomatik birliklar, metaforik ma’no, madaniy semantika, polisemiyaga ega birliklar, konseptual metafora nazariyasi, kognitiv tilshunoslik, tarjimada ekvivalentlik, barqaror birikmalar. Phraseology is a specialized branch of linguistics that studies stable expressions such as idioms, proverbs, collocations, fixed expressions, and other non-free word combinations. Among the central aspects of phraseology, semantics occupies a crucial position, as it explores how meaning is generated, interpreted, and systematically organized within phraseological units. Unlike free phrases, where meaning is typically predictable from the meanings of individual components, many phraseological units are idiomatic. They often exhibit semantic opacity, metaphorical extension, cultural symbolism, and figurative interpretation. Consequently, the semantics of phraseology has become a significant field of investigation in linguistics, cognitive science, translation studies, and intercultural communication. In recent decades, the attention toward phraseological semantics has increased due to globalization, the growing role of cultural competence in language learning, and the development of corpus linguistics. Researchers such as A.V. Kunin, C. Fillmore, R. Moon, and P. Granger have contributed to the systematic study of figurative meaning and idiomatic structures. Understanding phraseological semantics not only deepens general linguistic knowledge but also enhances cross-cultural communication and accurate translation. Therefore, exploring the semantic structure, classification, functions, and evolution of phraseological units remains essential for modern linguistic research. Theoretical Foundations of Phraseological Semantics Semantic studies in phraseology focus on how stable expressions acquire meanings that may differ substantially from their literal components. Kunin (1996) highlights that the semantic structure of phraseological units is holistic, meaning the expression operates as a complete INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC AND PRACTICAL CONFERENCE “INTEGRATION OF MODERN LINGUISTICS WITH SCIENCE, EDUCATION, AND PRACTICE IN THE PROCESS OF GLOBALIZATION: NEW APPROACHES, OPPORTUNITIES, AND CHALLENGES”, DECEMBER 4, 2025 257 semantic integrity rather than a sum of separate lexical meanings. This principle distinguishes idioms from free word combinations. Additionally, the theory of phraseological semantics is deeply connected with cognitive linguistics. According to Lakoff & Johnson (1980), figurative language is grounded in conceptual metaphors that reflect human thought processes. Many idioms are rooted in universal cognitive models, such as metaphors of motion, body parts, natural phenomena, or social behavior. For example, the expression “to see the big picture” is based on a conceptual metaphor where understanding is perceived as visual clarity. Thus, phraseological semantics integrates linguistic, cognitive, and cultural components, making it a multifaceted research area. Types and Levels of Phraseological Meaning Phraseological meaning is often classified into several categories based on semantic transparency, figurativeness, and cultural embeddedness. Literal Phraseological Meaning Some phraseological units retain their direct, literal interpretation. These include collocations such as “make a decision,” “take notes,” or “lose weight.” Although they are stable, their meaning is predictable. Figurative or Idiomatic Meaning The majority of phraseological units are idiomatic and derive meaning through metaphor, metonymy, or symbolic association. For example:  “Kick the bucket” meaning “to die,”  “Break the ice” meaning “to start communication,”  “Spill the beans” meaning “to reveal a secret.” Such expressions require semantic interpretation beyond literal word meanings. Symbolic and Cultural Meaning Proverbs, sayings, and culturally specific expressions convey symbolic meaning rooted in traditional beliefs or communal experience. For instance:  English: “A penny saved is a penny earned.”  Uzbek: “Yaxshilik qil, daryoga sol.” These expressions represent cultural wisdom and moral values. Pragmatic Meaning Phraseological units may also serve pragmatic functions—expressing politeness, criticism, irony, exaggeration, or emotional attitude. Their semantic value is often contextdependent, requiring an understanding of social norms and communicative conventions. Semantic Structure and Stability of Phraseological Units Phraseological units are known for semantic stability, which means: Their meaning remains unchanged despite contextual variations. They resist lexical substitution, i.e., replacing a component changes or destroys the meaning. Their figurative interpretation is preserved across generations. Vinogradov (1972) emphasized that idioms maintain semantic invariability even if speakers slightly modify their grammatical form. For example, “spill the beans,” “spilled the beans,” “spilling the beans” all retain the same core meaning. However, linguistic researchers also acknowledge relative semantic variability, which occurs due to: INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC AND PRACTICAL CONFERENCE “INTEGRATION OF MODERN LINGUISTICS WITH SCIENCE, EDUCATION, AND PRACTICE IN THE PROCESS OF GLOBALIZATION: NEW APPROACHES, OPPORTUNITIES, AND CHALLENGES”, DECEMBER 4, 2025 258  cultural shifts,  language modernization,  new social phenomena,  reinterpretation by younger generations,  influence of digital communication. For example, the idiom “ghosting someone” has gained new meaning in online communication, referring to ignoring messages without explanation. Thus, phraseological semantics is both stable and dynamic. Mechanisms of Semantic Formation Several linguistic and cognitive mechanisms explain how phraseological meanings develop: Metaphorization This is the most common mechanism. Idioms such as “time flies,” “cold feet,” “heart of stone” all rely on conceptual metaphors. Metonymy Meaning develops through association or contextual proximity. Example: “Give someone a hand” meaning “to help.” Hyperbole Exaggeration intensifies meaning, such as “I'm starving” or “scared to death.” Euphemism Idioms softening unpleasant ideas, such as “passed away” for “died.” Symbolization Cultural symbols become associated with meanings. For example, “black cat” symbolizes bad luck in some cultures. These mechanisms show the cognitive depth of phraseological semantics. Cross-Cultural Semantic Perspectives Phraseological meanings vary significantly across languages due to cultural, historical, and environmental differences. For example:  English: “When pigs fly”  Uzbek: “Olovda muz eriganday” (rare event meaning) The semantic equivalence of idioms requires understanding:  cultural symbols,  traditional metaphors,  national mentality,  historical background,  social norms. Cross-cultural studies by Piirainen (2005) demonstrate that even structurally similar idioms can carry different meanings across languages due to cultural reinterpretation. This has major implications for translation studies. Translators must identify functional equivalents rather than literal translations to preserve meaning. In translation, analyzing phraseological meaning helps avoid distortions and ensures natural target-language rendering. The translator must consider both semantic equivalence and cultural contextualization. To conclude, semantics plays a fundamental role in understanding the nature, function, and interpretation of phraseology. Phraseological units represent complex linguistic structures INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC AND PRACTICAL CONFERENCE “INTEGRATION OF MODERN LINGUISTICS WITH SCIENCE, EDUCATION, AND PRACTICE IN THE PROCESS OF GLOBALIZATION: NEW APPROACHES, OPPORTUNITIES, AND CHALLENGES”, DECEMBER 4, 2025 259 characterized by figurative meaning, metaphorical extensions, and cultural symbolism. Their semantic structure reflects cognitive processes, social traditions, and historical evolution. Although phraseological meanings remain relatively stable, they are also influenced by cultural shifts and language innovation. A comprehensive understanding of phraseological semantics is essential for linguists, translators, teachers, and language learners, as it promotes accurate interpretation, effective communication, and cultural awareness. Therefore, phraseological semantics remains a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and indispensable field in modern linguistic studies. REFERENCES 1. Kunin, A.V. (1996). 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