Figurative Meanings of Russian Verbs of Motion

Introduction

Russian verbs of motion are famous for their rich system of prefixes, prefixes that change direction, intensity, or even the whole semantic field of a verb. While the literal meanings (walking, running, driving, flying) are well explored, these verbs also serve a vivid figurative function. In everyday speech they express emotional states, social relationships, progress, and even abstract concepts such as time or fate.

This page surveys the most frequently used figurative meanings, shows how they arise from the literal core, and supplies examples that can be useful for learners or anyone interested in Russian lexical creativity.

Basic Set of Motion Verbs

The core unprefixed verbs are:

• / to go (on foot, oneway, imperfective)
• to go (repeatedly, multidirectional)
• / to go by vehicle (oneway)
• to go by vehicle repeatedly
• / to run
• / to fly

These roots already carry metaphorical potential:

Directional Prefixes and Their Figurative Extensions

(approach)

Literal: to come toward the speaker or a reference point.

Figurative: to arrive at a conclusion; to reach success.

(departure)

Literal: moving away from the reference point.

Figurative: to retire; to be lost in the past.

(exit, outward)

Literal: moving out of an enclosed space.

Figurative: to get out of a situation; to break free.

(behind, beyond)

Literal: moving behind or into a place.

Figurative: to fall into depression; to get tangled in problems.

(along, a little)

Literal: moving along a surface or for a short distance.

Figurative: to follow a trail (of evidence); to go away for a short break.

/ (into)

Literal: entering a space.

Figurative: to get into a role (act); to become part of history.

(onto, onto a target)

Literal: movement toward a surface.

Figurative: to stumble onto a mistake; to get into a conflict.

Aspectual Influence on Figurative Use

Perfective vs. imperfective aspects shape the nuance of the metaphor.

Imperfective (, , )

Expresses a process, duration, or repeated action, often used for ongoing emotional states.

Perfective (, , )

Marks a single, completed act, useful for decisive figurative actions.

Many idioms freeze a particular aspect: (imperf.) let the rain fall (no matter what). The perfective predicts the event.

Common Idiomatic Expressions

• to advance ruthlessly, to trample over heads.
• to make an uphill struggle, to fight against great odds.
• to daydream, to fly to the clouds.
• to disappear without a trace, to vanish into nowhere.
• to lose ones temper, to step out of oneself.
• similar to cutting corners, aggressively pursuing something.
• to get into a dead end, i.e., reach a stalemate.
• to mount a horse, figuratively to take up a cause or responsibility.
• to appear in the light, meaning to become known.
• to go with the current, i.e., follow the mainstream.

Notice how the prefix often determines the direction of the metaphor: gives a sense of entering a difficult zone, while suggests extraction or escape.