Abstract: The subject of the study is the features of the implementation of symbolic meanings of images-symbols of the elements in the phraseological picture of the world based on the material of the Ukrainian language. Research objectives: to identify phraseological units with components-names-of-elements from the phraseological composition of the Ukrainian language; to determine the place of phraseological units of the Ukrainian language of the studied group in the language picture of the world; to consider the characteristic manifestations of the implementation of symbolic meanings of components-names of the elements in Ukrainian phraseological units. The research methodology is based on a combination of theoretical and empirical approaches using the methods of analysis, generalization and synthesis. The scientific novelty lies in the fact that phraseological units with the components water, fire and earth are analyzed using the material of the Ukrainian language: the study of phraseological units associated with the designation of natural phenomena makes it possible to identify the features of the linguistic picture of the world and folk thinking and allows for a better understanding of the value attitudes and specifics of the worldview of the Ukrainian people. Over the centuries, the elements have personified various aspects of human life and nature, thereby creating a rich palette of images that are reflected in phraseology. The symbolic meaning of the image-symbol fire is most often realized in the meanings: destructive or dangerous force, intensification of feelings, anger, speed, test. The symbolic meanings of the image-symbol fire are represented in the phraseology of the Ukrainian language by the following semes: danger, speed, suffering, illness, anger, excitement, blushing, negative character traits, exaltation. Phraseologisms with the symbolic image of earth are often associated with the concepts of social status, respect, life.

Keywords: culture, phrase, origin, meaning, phraseological unit, group, image-symbol, earth, water, fire