The article is devoted to the linguistic analysis of I. A. Krylov’s winged expressions. There are 3 main types of relationship plot fables I. A. Krylov (winged words based on fables) to the original source: 1) orientation to the ancient tradition with language adaptation to Russian realities; 2) the plot of the fable remains international, but the winged expression created on this plot outline is undoubtedly Russian, with a characteristic folk speech marking; 3) the use of I. A. Krylov's own folk proverbs and sayings, but it was in his fables that gained the status of "wingedness."