What does the expression “to bring under the monastery” mean?
“Ты меня под монастырь подвел!” (“Ti menya pod monastyr podvel”!) or “You brought me under the monastery!” This is said when, through someone else’s fault, you find yourself in a difficult situation or in trouble.
There are several versions of where the phrase came from. The most common, of course, are associated with monasteries. According to one, people who experienced great difficulties in life could take monastic vows. This way, they did not have to struggle with worldly problems, but they would have a roof over their heads and food.
Exile to a monastery as a punishment was used for inconvenient courtiers and even the wives of monarchs. And beggars also collected alms by the walls of monasteries – that’s who life brought under the monastery!
In addition, during wars, monasteries became fortified fortresses. Guides would lure invaders there by deception – after that, they had little chance of winning such a battle.
An English equivalent would be: “To put someone in a difficult position.”
