• ЗАДАВАТЬ/ЗАДАТЬ ТОН
[VP]
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1. Also: ДАВАТЬ/ДАТЬ ТОН music [subj: human]
⇒ to sound the correct pitch (to a choir):
- X задал тон••≈ X gave the pitch.
2. задавать тон (кому-чему). Also: ДАВАТЬ/ДАТЬ ТОН obs [subj: human or collect; more often impfv]
⇒ to establish the mood, atmosphere, mode of behavior etc (that is imitated, followed by some person or group of people, or that is accepted, conformed to in some place, organization etc):
- X задаёт тон••≈ X sets the tone <the mood>.
♦ ...Все это ленинское нищенствование - игра, партийная линия, чтоб задавать тон, служить примером, "вождь без упрёка" (Солженицын 5)...This parade of poverty on Lenin's part was a game, the party line, intended to set the tone and provide an example of a "leader beyond reproach" (5a).
3. obs [subj: human; impfv only]
⇒ to act self-importantly, arrogantly:
- X задает тон••≈ X puts on airs;
- X walks around with his nose in the air.
♦ "...[Леницын] заважничал. Тон задаёт" (Гоголь 3). "...[Lenitzin] is making himself important. Putting on airs" (3b).