Introduction

Phraseological units have the most crucial role in linguistics. Several scientists, linguists, and researchers such as A.V. Kunin, V.V. Vinogradov, N.N. Amosova, V. Telia, V.A. Maslova, Ch. Bally, M.L. Koshkova, D.U. Ashurova and M.R. Galiyeva, and others studied phraseological units, their features and their contribution in linguistics. Phraseological units have the most important contribution in linguistics as they help to inform the picture of linguistic world. The theory of phraseological units was investigated by numerous linguists and scholars. Numerous terms are used to express phraseological units. According to D.U. Ashurova and M.R. Galieva, “there are several terms denoting phraseological units, such as set expression, set phrase, fixed word group, word equivalent, phraseological unit and idiom” (Ashurova, Galieva, 2019). I.V. Arnold mentioned that, phraseological units are word-groups that “are not created in speech but introduced into the act of communication ready-made” (Arnold, 1973, 142). D.U. Ashurova, M.R. Galieva argue that “most of the works done in this framework focus on phraseological units with a particular component or phraseological units arranged within one thematic group. It should be mentioned that most of the researches devoted to national-cultural specifics are done from a comparative perspective on the basis of two or more languages” (Ashurova, Galieva, 2019, 27).

According to A. Jansoma, “phraseological units reflect the wealth of a language displaying cultural paradigms of the speakers of a particular language. They reflect cultural archetypes and help to make explicit the peculiarities of its word perception”. Studying phraseological units have evolved over the centuries and they are analyzed and classified by numerous researchers. Numerous researchers and linguists study the role of phraseological units, their contribution in understanding several contexts.

Shintemirova et al. mentioned in the research article that “The systematic differentiation of phraseological units within the framework of phraseology stands as a paramount pursuit pivotal to advancing linguistic sciences. This need for further exploration becomes evident in “style”, which encapsulates identifying usage patterns in speech and writing (Arikan, 2015), encompassing lexical-phraseological, syntactic, morphological, and phonetic systems by individuals or groups unified by shared interests, education, and communication specifics (Solodub & Albrecht, 2002). While communication serves as the fundamental function of language, its manifestation can assume more specialized forms: verbal communication involving information exchange or dialogue, the delivery of messages in oral or written formats, and the emotional or aesthetic impact on listeners or readers during information transmission (Ismajli & Krasniqi, 2022; Matabane & Machaba, 2023; Tamba & Iancu, 2023; Shintemirova et al., 2024, 170). Shintemirova et al argue that “the distinction in stylistic affiliation and expressive nuances among phraseological units arises from the unique linguistic tools and techniques embedded within each language style. Speakers draw from the reservoir of national linguistic resources to articulate specific content, thereby attributing certain phraseological units with greater prominence within distinct stylistic domains” (Shintemirova et al., 2024, 170).

It should be noted that the study of stylistic potential of number component phraseological units has significant contribution in linguistics. It helps to explore several communicative, cultural, expressive values of phraseological units with number components in language and to investigate how they create stylistic effect in numerous discourses, and their use in different discourses as the stylistic devices, for instance metaphor, metonymy, irony, hyperbole, pun, alliteration, oxymoron and others help to create stylistic effect.

Methods

The research was carried out by several methods. The main research method employed in the work is comparative analysis method. In this study comparative analysis method compares the stylistic use of number component phraseological units in different discourses and their role between languages and cultures, particularly English and Uzbek and it helps to investigate how number component phraseological units are used to create stylistic effects in various discourses. Besides that, qualitative analysis research method was involved to examine the semantic and pragmatic functions of several number component phraseological units across several types of communication, and how phraseological units with number component contribute to the tone, humor, emotional depth, imagery and etc. By using this method, we analyzed the role of number component phraseological units in various discourses and how number component phraseological units help to create stylistic effects in different discourses. The methods of semantic and cognitive analysis were also included to analyze the meanings of these number component phraseological units. Quantitative analysis research method was involved to analyze 72 phraseological units with number components in English and Uzbek and by using this method we classified them into several categories which include stylistic devices, particularly metaphor, metonymy, irony, hyperbole, antithesis, alliteration.

  Results

In this article, we suggest the stylistic potential of number component phraseological units in different discourses in English and Uzbek. The role and functions of numbers are crucial in phraseological units. The study of stylistic potential of number component phraseological units helps us to understand how the numbers are used with phraseological units to achieve specific communicative, expressive, rhetorical and other goals in several discourses.

The communicative effectiveness and stylistic impact of number component phraseological units are conspicuous. A.T. Kulsariyeva, et.al. claim that “reflection information in language units is given through diversity of symbols. One of them is number” (Kulsariyeva, et.al, 2013, 895). According to V.A. Maslova, “numbers are components of particular codes that are used to describe the world” (Maslova, 2001). In this article we analyzed the use of several number component phraseological units, such as English and Uzbek proverbs, idioms and etc. In this study the most important resource includes dictionaries, English and Uzbek proverbs and idioms, set expressions with number component, Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, Cambridge Online Dictionary, Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs research articles, online resources, scholars’ books, research papers and other materials.

In this article, the analysis of the stylistic potential of number component phraseological units showed that the use of numbers manifests the culture, customs and traditions, cultural values and others in different discourses. Discourse comparison of number component phraseological units show the frequency use of numbers, such as symbolic numbers, for example, three, seven, nine, and etc., in different discourses. In this article, we analyzed the roles of stylistic analysis of phraseological units with number components in several different discourses, such as literary, journalistic, mass media, professional and other discourses. During the stylistic analysis of phraseological units with number components we identified that the stylistic devices in number component phraseological units create vivid imagery, convey cultural meaning, add emotional depth, expressiveness, emotional coloring and etc. In this article we analyzed 72 number component phraseological units in English and Uzbek and we classified them into stylistic devices, particularly metaphor, metonymy, irony, hyperbole, antithesis, alliteration.

  The results of the study also illustrate the significance of stylistic analysis of number component phraseological units can help to fully understand the functions of phraseological units with number components through stylistic devices, such as metaphors, irony, hyperbole, alliteration, anaphora and others in different discourses in English and Uzbek. The findings of this study provide several evidence that stylistic potentials of number component phraseological units can serve as a tool for understanding the different discourses and contexts in English and Uzbek.

Discussions

The findings of this study suggest that number component phraseological units have a significant role in the formation of linguistic world picture. Our analysis reveals connection of number component phraseological units with cultural values, beliefs, symbols and others. In this study, through the analysis of several English and Uzbek number component phraseological units, we observed the significant role of these set expressions in the formation of linguistic world picture. Many scholars mentioned the cultural significance of phraseological units in their researches. According to A.V. Kunin, “phraseology is the study of phraseological units (idiomatic expressions), i.e., stable word combinations with complex semantics that are not formed according to the generative structural-semantic models of variable combinations” (Kunin, 1970). The scholar also mentions that “phraseology is extremely complex phenomenon, the study of which requires its own research method, as well as the use of data from other sciences- lexicology, grammar, stylistics, phonetics, the history of language, history of philosophy, logic and cultural studies” (A.V. Kunin, 1970).

Shintemirova et al., claim that “The findings of this study suggest that number component phraseological units have a significant role in the formation of the linguistic world picture. Our analysis reveals a connection between number component phraseological units with cultural values, beliefs, symbols and others. In this study, through the analysis of several English and Uzbek number component phraseological units, we observed the significant role of these set expressions in the formation of the linguistic world picture. Many scholars mentioned the cultural significance of phraseological units in their research. Numeric components add a distinct dimension, lending precision, emphasis, or figurative weight to the expression. At the intersection of linguistics and cultural heritage, the study of phraseological units with numeric components unveils a treasure trove of linguistic nuances and stylistic peculiarities. These units, enriched with numerical elements, encompass diverse expressions, ranging from idiomatic phrases like “at the eleventh hour” to proverbs such as “two heads are better than one.” They permeate various aspects of language, from everyday conversations to literary works, showcasing the depth and versatility of human expression. Understanding the stylistic characteristics of phraseological units with numeric components requires an exploration of their structural, semantic, and pragmatic dimensions” (Shintemirova et al., 2024, 171). According to Shintemirova et al., “expressiveness, a crucial characteristic, is evaluated as per Lukyanova’s and other scholars’definitions” (Shintemirova et al., 2024, 172). “Expressive-emotive phraseological units encapsulate both expressive intensity and emotive connotations, conveying various emotional states or evaluations” (Shansky & Ivanov, 2000).

According to Shintemirova et al., “numerical components within these units contribute to their evaluative function, shaping perceptions and judgments within discourse. Moreover, the emotional-expressive facets embedded in phraseological units endowed with numerical elements add depth and vividness to communication. The presence of numerical components often amplifies the emotive impact of these expressions, intensifying the conveyed emotions or attitudes. Expressions such as “one in a million” or “two-faced” evoke strong emotive connotations, conveying admiration or disdain. In these instances, numerical components act as a catalyst, amplifying the emotional resonance and facilitating a more vivid portrayal of feelings or attitudes. Furthermore, the functional roles of these phraseological units extend beyond mere evaluative or emotive functions, encompassing pragmatic dimensions within language usage. They serve as powerful communicative devices, aiding in conciseness, vividness, and figurative representation. The integration of numerical elements enhances precision and specificity, contributing to the clarity and impact of the conveyed message. Whether used in literary works to evoke imagery, in colloquial speech to emphasize a point or in advertising to create memorable slogans, these units play a pivotal role in effective communication by virtue of their functional versatility” (Shintemirova et al., 2024, 176). Number component phraseological units have stylistic potential to enhance language with vividness cultural depth, emotion, conciseness and etc. This helps to create specific tones, such as humor, irony and others; In addition to this they enhance the context beyond literary meaning, making them effective tools for expression, characterization in numerous discourses.

The numbers carry symbolic, culturally significant meaning and the use of number component phraseological units help to create stylistic effects in different discourses. Such as in mass media discourse phraseological units with number components help to attract the attention and they can add humor, satire and etc. In literary discourse number component phraseological units can create imagery, metaphorical depth and others. The phraseological units with number components can be used for expressive purposes. The expressiveness functions to make the context more vivid and memorable. The number component phraseological units also carry emotional and cultural associations and humor, irony can be created by transformation unexpected usage.

According to Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs, the proverb “four eyes see more than two” is defined as “observation by two people is better than by one alone. Two heads are better than one expresses a similar idea” (Oxford Dictionary of proverbs, fifth edition). In the Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs, the excerpts are given which contain the proverb “four eyes see more than two”. “1898F. M. MULLER Auld Lang Syne 80 “But who has ever examined any translation from any language, without finding signs of. carelessness or ignorance? Four eyes see more than two” (Oxford Dictionary of proverbs, fifth edition). In this excerpt the use of number component phraseological unit “Four eyes see more than two” makes the context more clear and understandable. The metonymy is used in this excerpt and the part of the human (the eyes) is used to represent the whole person. “Four eyes” represent four people, and “two eyes” represent two people. It helps to attract the attention of the reader. In this excerpt the parallelism “four eyes ….. than two” creates the balanced and logical –sounding comparison. Besides that, contrast between two numbers particularly, lower and higher numbers: “four” and “two” highlight the benefits of doing the task with a partner.

The stylistic potential of number component phraseological units is also important in literary discourse. The use of phraseological units with number components in literary discourse can create imagery, expressiveness and other stylistic effects. For example, in one of the most famous Uzbek writer Abdulla Qahhor’s story named “Ming bir jon” the use of number component phraseological units provided several stylistic effects. For instance,

“Kech kirdi. Hoji aka o‘rtacharoq xurrak tortib uyquga ketdi.Mirrahimov dam-badam u yoqdan bu yoqqa ag‘darilar edi,nihoyat, mening uyg‘oq ekanligimni payqab boshini ko‘tardi.

– Bu xotinning joni bitta emas, ming bitta! – dedi. –Hozir tugab qolgan shamday lipillab yonayotgan joni basharti so‘ngan taqdirda ham, qolgan mingtasini yoqib keyin so‘nadi.Mana shu ishonch Masturaga o‘limni yo‘latmaydi.Mirrahimov uzoq jim qolganidan keyin yana birdan:– Eri-chi, eri? – dedi– ,bu yigitning ham, raftoridan,yigitlik umri ming bitta-yu, shundan bittaginasini Masturaga qurbon qilyapti …” (A. Qahhor).

In this excerpt the number component phraseological units for example, “joni bitta emas, ming bitta” creates exaggeration, expressiveness, imagery and metaphorical depth. The numbers “thousand” (ming) and one (bir) function as a form of hyperbole. The use of number “thousand and one” elevates the character beyond others. The stylistic potential of these number component phraseological units refers to the hidden layers of the meaning in the context.

1. Dzane et.al. argue in the research article that “the stylistic potential of phraseological units is very rich in all literary genres and it depends on the individual author’s intention and personal taste” (Glaser, 2001, 142). According to M. Dzane et.al., “another element in understanding and analyzing phraseological meaningin the text is the cognitive dimention” (Dzane et.al., 2008, 557).
2. Nematjonova argues that “The study of phraseological units, particularly those containing numerical components, offers valuable insights into the intricate relationship between language, style, and meaning in literature. Numerical expressions, often rich in symbolism, serve as important linguistic tools that enhance the expressive power of both written and spoken speech. These units are particularly significant in artistic works, where they contribute to the emotional and aesthetic depth of the narrative” (Nematjonova, 2025, 42). Shintemirova et al., argue that “the stylistic characteristics of phraseological units with numerical components resonate with the cultural and historical contexts from which they originate. They serve as linguistic artifacts, reflecting societal values, beliefs, and traditions while also evolving dynamically to adapt to contemporary contexts. These units wield a unique linguistic prowess, enriching communication by amalgamating precision, vividness, and cultural resonance within the tapestry of language. This study illuminates the prevalence of vividly expressive units within the linguistic landscape, noting their significant contribution to communication and comprehension. Moreover, the varied distribution of stylistic attributes across these units reflects the dynamism inherent in linguistic expressions, underscoring their adaptive nature within the evolving realms of language usage (Iverson & Thal, 1998). (Shintemirova et al., 2024, 172).

The classification of number component phraseological units by their stylistic potentials and stylistic devices helps us to investigate deeper, symbolic meanings of number and their role in the context rather than simply counting. In this article we classified several English and Uzbek number component phraseological units by stylistic devices.

V.A. Kuharenko claims that “metaphor is the transference of the names based on the associated likeness, between two objects” (Kuharenko, 2009, 47). The metaphor is the transfer of meaning based on similarity and analogy and phraseological units with number components can convey deeper meaning by metaphor. Below there are several examples for number component phraseological units that has metaphorical feature in English and Uzbek.

Metaphor in number component phraseological units in English:

• Double-edged sword
• One side of the coin
• Cloud nine
• One-armed bandit
• Between two fires
• Deep six
• Behind the eight ball

Metaphor in number component phraseological units in Uzbek:

• Biri ikki bo‘lmoq
• Ishlari besh bo‘lmoq
• Ikki o‘t orasida qolmoq
• Bir yostiqqa bosh qo‘ymoq
• O‘n gulidan bir guli ochilmoq
• Yettinchi osmonda uchmoq

Metonymy is replacing the concept with an associated term or using a part to represent the whole. In English and Uzbek there are numerous phraseological units with number components that are used as metonymy.

Metonymy in number component phraseological units in English:

• Two heads are better than one
• Six feet under
• Nine-to-five job
• Four eyes
• Between two fires
• Six-figure salary
• Nine months (pregnancy)
• Dirty dozen
• Eight hours a day
• Unlucky thirteen
• Eightfold path
• Five senses
• A five-year plan

Metonymy in number component phraseological units in Uzbek:

• Besh qo‘l barobar emas
• O‘ttiz ikki tishini ko‘rsatib kulmoq
• To‘rt ko‘z
• Bir boshga bir o‘lim
• Bitta kalla- kalla, ikki kalla -tilla

Number component phraseological units can include hyperbole (exaggeration) and they help to create stylistic effect in the context. There are several examples of phraseological units with number components in English and Uzbek that are used to emphasize scale, frequency, intensity and others. For example,

Hyperbole (Exaggeration) in number component phraseological units in English:

• One in a million
• Nine times out of ten
• The whole nine yards
• Kill two birds with one stone- to succeed in achieving two things in a single action
• Tell somebody a thing or two
• Two thousand leagues under the sea
• Four corners of the Earth
• The whole nine yards
• One in a thousand

Hyperbole (Exaggeration) in number component phraseological units in Uzbek:

• Yuz marta eshitgandan bir marta ko‘rgan afzal
• Yetti uxlab tushiga kirmagan
• Tili bir qarich:
• Ming urunmoq
• Yetti mahallaga jar solmoq
• Besh qo‘lini og‘ziga tiqmoq
• Qirq kechayu, qirq kunduz to‘y qilmoq
• Birni ko‘rgan mingni biladi
• Quvonchi bir olam
• Yettinchi osmonda uchmoq
• Bilagi zo‘r birni yiqar, bilimi zo‘r mingni

Irony is the stylistic device that the use of words or expressions where literal meaning is the opposite of the intended meaning. There are several examples of phraseological units with number components in English and Uzbek that irony helps to create stylistic effect in different discourses.

Irony in number component phraseological units in English:

• Two-faced compliments.
• Two wrongs don’t make a right
• To have two strokes against one
• Tell somebody a thing or two
• Six of one, half a dozen of the other

Irony in number component phraseological units in Uzbek:

• Ikki oyog‘ini bir etikka tiqmoq
• To‘qqiz to‘qilmagan, o‘nta to‘shilmagan
• Ikki yuzli inson
• Gapini ikki qilmoq
• Bir tiyinga qimmat
• Bir-birini ko‘zini o‘ymoq

1. Usarov argues that antithesis juxtaposes contrasting ideas in parallel structures” (Usarov, 2025, 301). Analyzing number component phraseological units and antithesis shows how numbers highlight moral, social, physical contrasts. For instance, there are several examples in Uzbek:

• Oyning o‘n beshi yorug‘, o‘n beshi qorong‘i
• Umrining yarmi ketib yarmi qolgan
• Bir oyog‘i yerda bir oyog‘i go‘rda

It is stated that alliteration is the stylistic device that the same consonant sounds repeated at the beginning or nearby words. The role of alliteration in number component phraseological units is crucial and it makes the more rhythmic, memorable, and impactful in English and Uzbek. There are several examples. For example, in English

• Five-finger discount
• Sixth sense

Examples of alliteration used in number component phraseological units in Uzbek:

• Qirq yil qirg‘in bo‘lsa ham ajali yetgan o‘ladi
• Sanamay sakkiz dema
• Oltovlon ola bo‘lsa, og‘zidagin oldirar. To‘rtovlon tugal bo‘lsa unmaganni undirar.
• To‘qqizida bo‘lmagan aql to‘qsonida ham bo‘lmas
• To‘qqiz to‘qilmagan, o‘nta to‘shilmagan
• Yetti yoshdan yetmish yoshgacha.

In this article we analyzed 72 number component phraseological units in English and Uzbek collected from English and Uzbek phraseological dictionaries by several authors. and we classified them into stylistic devices, especially, metaphor, irony, metonymy, hyperbole, antithesis, alliteration.

Table 1.

The selected number components phraseological units in English and Uzbek reveal a diverse application of stylistic devices. As illustrated in the date, hyperbole and metonymy are the most dominantly used stylistic devices in English and Uzbek. Metaphor and irony show relatively similar distribution in English and Uzbek. While antithesis is not recorded in the English examples (0%), it appeared in 4.17% of Uzbek phraseological units.

            In conclusion, this study highlighted the stylistic potential of number component phraseological units in different discourses in English and Uzbek, emphasizing the role of number component phraseological units and stylistic devices. The findings demonstrate analyzing number component phraseological units helps to understand the functions of phraseological units with number components through stylistic devices, such as metaphors, irony, hyperbole, alliteration, anaphora and others in different discourses in English and Uzbek. The findings of this study provide several evidence that stylistic potentials of number component phraseological units can serve as a tool for understanding the different discourses and contexts in English and Uzbek.