PL
The comparison of old and contemporary idioms which contain lexemes szewc or szewski [cobbler, cobbler’s] demonstates the essential traits in the development of Polish phraselogy connected with crafts and craftsmanship. Their analysis shows that many idioms disappear as the picture of professional activities they convey is deemed too simplistic. On the other hand, the linguistc history of the proverb szewc bez butów chodzi illustrates the most characteristic features of craft-related idiomatic language (i.e. variants based on the similar depictions of craft works, interchangeability of trades, internationalism).