If you are learning Russian, you have probably heard the phrase «Орёл или решка?» It means “Heads or tails?” and Russians use it when they need to make a quick decision by flipping a coin.
The phrase comes from the history of Russian coins.
The word орёл means “eagle.” For many years, Russian coins featured the double headed eagle, the national symbol of Russia, on one side. That side became known as орёл.
The word решка refers to the other side of the coin. The exact origin of this word is uncertain, but many believe it comes from решётка, meaning “lattice” or “pattern,” because of the designs that appeared on older coins.
Learning Russian is not only about grammar and vocabulary. Simple expressions often tell us a story about Russian culture and history.