отдать честь

• ОТДАВАТЬ/ОТДАТЬ ЧЕСТЬ

[VP; subj: human]

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1. отдать честь кому to greet s.o. in a military fashion by raising one's right hand to the side of one's forehead or cap:

- X отдал честь Y-y ≈ X saluted Y;

- X raised his hand in (a) salute.

     ♦ Они прошли мимо поста. Люсьен отдал честь (Эренбург 4). They passed a military post. Lucien saluted (4a).

2. отдать честь кому to show s.o. one's full appreciation of his qualities, achievements etc:

- X отдал Y-y честь{{}}≈ X paid <showed> honor to Y;

- X honored Y;

- [in limited contexts] X gave Y credit.

     ♦ Тому, что Багратион выбран был героем в Москве, содействовало и то, что он не имел связей в Москве и был чужой. В лице его отдавалась честь боевому, простому, без связей и интриг, русскому солдату... (Толстой 5). And what was also conducive to his [Bagration's] being chosen as Moscow's hero was the fact that he had no connections in the city and was virtually a stranger there. In his person honor was paid to the simple combat soldier, unsupported by connections or intrigue... (5a).

3. отдать честь чему humor to accept (and fully enjoy) some food or drink that is offered to one:

- X отдал честь Y-y ≈ X did Y the honor of having some;

- X did Y justice.

     ♦ Вообще-то я не пью, но не могу не отдать честь вашему коньяку. Generally I don't drink, but I certainly won't deny your brandy the honor of having some.