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semantic cohesion. Accordingly, Vinogradov classifies
phraseological units into three classes: phraseological
combinations, unities and fusions.
Phraseological combinations are word-groups with a
partially changed meaning. They may be said to be clearly
motivated, that is, the meaning of the unit can be easily deduced
from the meanings of its constituents (e.g. to be at one's wits' end,
to be good at something, to be a good hand at something, to have a
bite, to come off a poor second, to come to a sticky end (coll.), to
look a sight (coll.), to take something for granted, to stick to one's
word, to stick at nothing, gospel truth, bosom friends).
Phraseological unities are word-groups with a completely
changed meaning, that is, the meaning of the unit does not
correspond to the meanings of its constituent parts. They are
motivated units or, putting it another way, the meaning of the
whole unit can be deduced from the meanings of the constituent
parts; the metaphor, on which the shift of meaning is based, is
clear and transparent (e.g. to stick to one's guns ( = to be true to
one's views or convictions. The image is that of a gunner or gun
crew who do not desert their guns even if a battle seems lost); to
sit on the fence (= in discussion, politics, etc. refrain from
committing oneself to either side); to catch/clutch at a
straw/straws ( = when in extreme danger, avail oneself of even the
slightest chance of rescue
Phraseological fusions are word-groups with a completely
changed meaning but, in contrast to the unities, they are
demotivated, that is, their meaning cannot be deduced from the
meanings of the constituent parts; the metaphor, on which the shift
of meaning was based, has lost its clarity and is obscure (e.g. to
come a cropper (to come to disaster); neck and crop (entirely,
altogether, thoroughly, as in: He was thrown out neck and crop.
She severed all relations with them neck and crop.); at sixes and
sevens (in confusion or in disagreement.

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